A striking new cultural landmark is set to debut in Qingdao. The Silk Road Romance Park, which is located in the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area, also known as SCODA, will open on June 26.

Featuring over 100 daily performances that blend Qilu culture, maritime Silk Road heritage, and SCO elements, the site will offer a mixture of large-scale parades, immersive theater, street art, and interactive entertainment.

The highlight is the grand show Eternal Love of the Silk Road. Inside the theater, cutting-edge stage technology — including a fully dynamic mechanical stage, panoramic LED matrix, and thousands of smart lighting systems — creates a breathtaking immersive experience.

The performance opens with a colossal whale swimming slowly above the audience. Through four chapters, the show brings to life historic moments: the first sparks of civilization lit by Dongyi fishermen, debates at the Jixia Academy, which was the highest institute of education in Qi during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), and Chinese monk Fa Xian's sea journey returning with Buddhist scriptures.

Beyond the main show, the scenic area is designed as an "all-day performance kingdom". Cobblestone streets lined with traditional shop signs and the sound of camel bells recreate the ancient Silk Road atmosphere. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts in heritage workshops, join spontaneous parades, or watch shadow puppetry with children.

Unlike traditional theaters, there is no fixed stage or seating. The entire street is part of the performance — wherever visitors wander, the story continues around them, creating truly immersive experiences that have emotional resonance.

The Silk Road Romance Park, a striking new cultural landmark in Shandong, is set to debut in Qingdao on June 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]