During the New Year holiday, Qingdao's historic areas came alive with exciting events and creative activities. Visitors and locals interacted with seagulls around Zhanqiao Pier, strolled through century-old streets, and celebrated the New Year in an atmosphere where cultural charm met the vibrancy of everyday life.

Statistics show that on the first day of the holiday, about 284,500 people visited the city's historic areas. Among them, the Dabaodao Cultural and Leisure Block recorded total sales of 689,000 yuan ($98,525), a year-on-year increase of 29 percent.

The holiday period saw bustling activities in Shangjieli and Dabaodao, bringing in large crowds. Shangjieli's Taixingli hosted an immersive market, featuring hot drinks, handmade crafts, and interactive fun. Meanwhile, in Dabaodao, events like the "starry sky market", music performances, themed art installations, and consumer promotions attracted many young visitors.

Street-side shops captivated tourists by blending themed settings, local culture, and shopping experiences, offering a "strollable, playable, and takeaway-friendly" urban narrative.

Qingdao's historic districts now host over 260 dining establishments, where visitors can savor authentic local flavors.

At Chuangeyu Dumplings on Haibo Road, more than 700 customers enjoyed traditional dishes like fish dumplings on the first day, a 20 percent increase from the previous year.

With the growing variety of accommodations in the old town, many tourists choose to stay in the historic districts for a more immersive experience. A boutique homestay on Guangxi Road, overlooking Zhanqiao Pier, has upgraded its seagull-themed rooms to meet high demand. Overall, bookings for four boutique homestays under the brand exceeded 90 percent during the holiday.

During the New Year holiday, Qingdao's historic areas come alive with exciting events and creative activities. [Photo/Guanhai News]