Ocean elements are seen at the Longshan Parking Lot in Qingdao's Shinan district. [Photo/Guanhai News]

The Longshan Parking Lot in Qingdao's Shinan district recently went viral among locals with its iconic decorations.

The parking lot was transformed from the Longshan Underground Commercial Street, which was once a popular shopping destination for Qingdao residents.

Due to the decline of traditional commerce, the underground commercial street was shut down in 2018, and returned with a brand-new look as a parking lot on July 1.

In addition to specific parking signs, the space has preserved the rock walls that are decorated with a variety of characteristic local elements, such as landmark buildings, scenic spots, ocean creatures, historical pictures and posters, and antique home appliances.

"It was surprising. I didn't expect to visit an 'exhibition' when parking my car," said Wang Yan, a self-driving tourist from Weifang.

The parking lot is designed not only to provide more convenience to people, but to bear the city's culture, according to Chen Yufeng, manager of the parking lot.

Since being put into use, the parking lot has effectively eased the shortage of parking spaces in the neighborhood and sets a good example for parking lot construction in old downtown areas, officials said.

Historical pictures and posters cover the walls in the Longshan Parking Lot. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Antique home appliances are on display at Longshan Parking Lot in Qingdao's Shinan district. [Photo/Guanhai News]