Governor’s House Museum

Qingdao

LoginSave

This museum is one of Qingdao’s best examples of concession-era architecture – the former German governor’s residence constructed in the style of a German palace. The building’s interior is characteristic of Jugendstil, the German arm of art nouveau, with some German and Chinese furnishings of the era. It was built in 1903 at a cost of 2,450,000 taels of silver by an indulgent governor, whom Kaiser Wilhelm II immediately sacked when he saw the bill.

In 1957 Chairman Mao stayed here with his wife and kids on holiday. So did defence minister Lin Biao, who would later attempt to assassinate Mao.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Tsingtao Beer Museum

    Tsingtao Beer Museum

    1.33 MILES

    For a self-serving introduction to China’s iconic beer, head to the original and still-operating brewery. On view are old photos, preserved brewery…

  • St Michael's Catholic Church, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.

    St Michael’s Cathedral

    0.63 MILES

    Up a hill off Zhongshan Lu looms this grand Gothic- and Roman-style edifice. Completed in 1934, the church spires were supposed to be clock towers, but…

  • Zhongshan Park

    Zhongshan Park

    1.22 MILES

    Within central Qingdao, Zhongshan Park is a vast 69 hectares of lakes, gardens and walking paths; it's an amusement park for kids and also the venue of…

  • Taiqing Palace

    Taiqing Palace

    20.04 MILES

    Accessible from either the Dahedong entrance or the Yangkou entrance, Lao Shan’s oldest and grandest temple was established by the first Song emperor…

  • Beijiushui Scenic Area

    Beijiushui Scenic Area

    17.72 MILES

    This canyon area at the north end of Lao Shan is mostly flat and takes a couple of hours to traverse. The path winds alongside and across clear, blue…

  • Jufeng

    Jufeng

    18.38 MILES

    Most easily reached from the Dahedong (大河东, Dàhédòng) entrance to the park, this peak – the name literally means 'Huge Peak' – is Lao Shan's highest point…

  • Yangkou Scenic Area

    Yangkou Scenic Area

    22.23 MILES

    You can ascend this scenic area by foot or cable car past wind- and water-carved granite. There’s a 30m scramble in total darkness up a crevice to the top…

  • Tianhou Temple

    Tianhou Temple

    0.37 MILES

    This small restored temple dedicated to Tiānhòu (天后), the patron of seafarers, has stood by the shore since 1467. The main hall contains a colourful…

View more attractions

Nearby Qingdao attractions

1. Signal Hill Park

0.05 MILES

This park above Qingdao's Old Town is free to enter from 6am to 7.30am and from 6pm to 8.30pm.

2. Protestant Church

0.19 MILES

On a street of German buildings, this copper-capped beauty was designed by Curt Rothkegel and built in 1908. The interior is simple and Lutheran in its…

3. Qingdao City Art Museum

0.27 MILES

Contemporary works are on display in this compact museum housed in its own architectural masterpiece, a 1930s structure reflecting an eclectic mix of…

4. Tianhou Temple

0.37 MILES

This small restored temple dedicated to Tiānhòu (天后), the patron of seafarers, has stood by the shore since 1467. The main hall contains a colourful…

5. Little Fish Hill

0.51 MILES

This sweet little park is near No 1 Bathing Beach. Admission is free after 6.30pm.

6. St Michael’s Cathedral

0.63 MILES

Up a hill off Zhongshan Lu looms this grand Gothic- and Roman-style edifice. Completed in 1934, the church spires were supposed to be clock towers, but…

7. No 1 Bathing Beach

0.72 MILES

South of the tree-lined area known as Badaguan (八大关, Bādàguān), No 1 Bathing Beach is a very popular spot, perhaps for its snack stalls and children's toy…

8. Huilan Pavilion

0.76 MILES

Lit up at night, this graceful pavilion decorates the end of Zhan Bridge poking into Qingdao Bay. If it looks familiar, that’s because it’s on every…