A 'Totoro Street' in Qingdao: Miyazaki's Style Transports You into an Anime World
Qingdao is a coastal city where the old and the new blend seamlessly. Beneath its red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and clear skies, countless artsy photo spots await discovery. Longjiang Road in Shinan District is one such magical place.
Of the five roads in Qingdao named after dragons, Longjiang Road is the longest. It winds from the intersection of Longkou Road and Guangxi Road in the west to Xinhaoshan Road in the east, with the famous Signal Hill Park running along one side. Though time has faded their glory, these early modern buildings, weathered and old, still hold a unique charm, whispering tales of yesterday and tomorrow from deep within the city's heart.
Creeping ivy climbs the low buildings, its leaves mottled in autumn like the marks of passing time. College students stroll together, freezing their youth in the depths of the old street. It’s also a favorite spot for couple’s wedding photos, with the sweetness of love brightening this nostalgic backdrop.
The trees lining the street are tall and lush, their gnarled branches evoking a sense of history. In this corner of Qingdao, far from the city's hustle and bustle, the air is infused with an artsy atmosphere. A "Totoro Wall" here has already gone viral on video platforms, drawing many visitors who come just to snap a picture.
The roads are narrow, mostly one-way, with plenty of ups and downs. Amid the undulating terrain, every seemingly chaotic scene feels effortlessly artistic. A ten-minute walk from Daxue Road brings you to Longjiang Road, now known as "Totoro Street" for the graffiti everywhere that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Miyazaki anime. Many artsy little shops hide among the old buildings, shabby but never without style.
According to locals, a few young people opened a bubble tea shop here. As Miyazaki fans, they turned the walls into their free canvas. Whether it’s the summer greenery or the warm winter sun, through the seasons the light gently falls on the Totoro painted on the wall, bringing a cozy, soothing warmth.
Those who love taking photos with the Totoro Wall must have a childlike heart. Just like in the movie, only kind people can see Totoro. It’s a return to nature, fresh and romantic. Walking along Totoro Street, you can’t help but daydream, as if you’ve crossed into magical realism, your heart an endless field of wheat. Sit on a wooden fence and listen quietly; you might just hear Totoro breathing next to you.
The nearest attraction to Longjiang Road is the Instagram-famous red wall on Daxue Road.
This red wall on Daxue Road is a beloved photo spot among the artsy crowd. Towering plane trees block out the sunlight, and traffic creeps slowly through the shade, resembling scenes from an old movie. A corner of the red wall makes the perfect backdrop. It’s said that people often queue up here for photos—newlyweds in wedding attire, students on break, and tourists visiting Qingdao. We arrived early and, after a short wait, captured our ideal shot.
Longjiang Road is also very close to Xiaoyushan Park. Walking there is easier than taking a detour by car on the one-way streets. Strolling through these quaint little lanes, you’ll soon arrive at Xiaoyushan Park.
Designed around the theme of the sea and fish shapes, Xiaoyushan Park may only rise 61 meters above sea level, but it offers sweeping views of Qingdao’s beauty. The Zhanqiao Pier, Little Qingdao Islet, Lu Xun Park, Huiquan Bay, Badaguan Scenic Area, and the Qianhai sea vista are all within sight. It’s the perfect place to admire the city’s signature "red tiles, green trees, blue sea, and clear skies." At the top of the hill, you’ll find a building called Lanchao Pavilion, a delicate example of classical Chinese architecture. The curved corridor connecting the pavilion and nearby gazebos features murals of the "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" and "Pu Songling’s Universe." As the saying goes, "A mountain need not be high; with immortals it is revered"—here, that feels perfectly true.
