Because of the changing terrain, each of the paths is unique. Some are wide, (with the widest 6.8 m) and some are narrow (with the narrowest less than 1 m). Some have gentle slopes while others are very steep. The steepest is at an almost 70-degree angle.

Some are straight while many others have different shapes. Some lie under a bridge and some are hidden by buildings.

Because the stepped paths are broken up by flat segments, almost all visitors find it easy to finish their walks.

"These gently-advancing steps make it easy to reach the top of the hills," says a tourist from Sichuan province.

On both sides of the paths visitors can see European architecture dating back to when the city was a German outpost.

Among these buildings stand the former residences of famous Chinese cultural figures such as Liang Shiqiu, Lao She and Shen Congwen.

Nowadays Qingdao is a modern city and a hot tourist destination. After enjoying the sunset on the beach and delicious seafood in the restaurants, don't forget to take a walk on the stone steps. Only then will you get a complete picture of the city and its people.

(Left): A man walks along the winding path with his bird cages. (Right): Young people show off their riding skills on the old paths. Photos by Xu Chongde