The Museum of the Former German Governor's House highlights Qingdao's architectural heritage and the historic charm of Shinan's old town. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Shinan district in Qingdao is breathing new life into its historic urban area by integrating cultural heritage protection with urban renewal and museum development.

As the origin of Qingdao's urban development, Shinan carries over a century of memories. Its historic streets, traditional Liyuan courtyards, former residences of notable figures, and red-roofed buildings set against green trees and the sea create a unique cultural landscape. The district now has 24 registered museums, including three national first-class museums, laying a solid foundation for its "Museum Shinan" brand.

In recent years, Shinan has followed the principle of prioritizing protection while allowing appropriate use, restoring several historic buildings and reopening them to the public. The former Qingdao Chamber of Commerce building, constructed in 1906, has been renovated using historical photos and documents and transformed into the Zhongshan Road Urban Memory Museum.

Other sites like the Jinku Cultural Museum, Zhao Taimou's former residence, Kang Youwei's former residence, the Camel Xiangzi Museum, and the Museum of the Former German Governor's House have also become cultural venues for exhibitions, education, and tourism.

Through cultural events, creative businesses, and study tours, Shinan is attracting more people back to the old town, where historic buildings are vibrant spaces that connect Qingdao's past with its future.