Qingdao, a beautiful seaside city in Shandong Province, boasts a mild climate, the vertiginous Laoshan Mountain, magnificent coastlines and many sandy bays. Home to European-style buildings from its colonial past, the city has been called “a classic of world architecture.”
　　120 years ago, Qingdao was an insignificant fishing village. It is now a metropolis of 11,282 square km with a populatin of 8.7 million. It has developed greatly since China started its opening-up and reform policy three decades ago. Being the host city of the sailing events of the 29th Summer Olympic Games in 2008 and the International Horticultural Exposition in 2014, Qingdao is known as a tourism destination worldwide. It has won a number of national awards for its dynamic economy, splendid cultural and historical heritage and fascinating scenery.
　　In early 2012, the 11th Qingdao CPC Congress announced that the city will focus on economic restructuring guided by scientific development. Following the provincial plan of fostering a “blue” economy in the Shandong Peninsula, Qingdao will seize this opportunity to develop a more international outlook, and beef up its economy by taking advantage of natural endowments while encouraging international standards of business.
　　The 21st century is said to be the century of the ocean and Qingdao expects to be a forerunner in maritime industries. It will build a modern city with a vibrant economy and preserve its natural environment, allowing people to live happier and richer lives.