The Qihulin villa district, north of the main spring area, contains the most concentrated collection of early twentieth-century Western-style villas in Jinan — residences built for German, British, and other foreign traders and officials during the treaty port era. The houses are set in walled gardens along tree-lined streets, creating an atmosphere that has more in common with a German spa town than with modern Jinan.
Several of the villas have been converted into restaurants, cafes, and cultural spaces, making the neighborhood both aesthetically interesting and practically useful for an afternoon visit. The architecture ranges from modest German functionist to more elaborate neoclassical and Arts and Crafts styles. Walking the streets without any particular destination — the neighborhood is small enough to cover in an hour — is a pleasant contrast to the busier spring parks.