As the peak travel season approaches, Qingdao is once again a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from both near and far.

Recent developments include the launch of new flight routes to Nagoya, Japan, and Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, with the latest route to Cheongju, South Korea, starting on May 26.

Qingdao Airport's network continues to expand, focusing on optimizing domestic and international routes to cater to diverse traveler needs. With an average of 645 flights planned daily, the airport ensures connectivity to 90 percent of China's provincial capitals and major cities, as well as regions in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea within a three-hour flight radius.

The new direct flight from Qingdao to Kashgar enhances the airport's network and aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative, promoting regional development and cooperation.

In response to the growing demand for summer travel, Capital Airlines under Hainan Airlines Group opened the Hangzhou-Qingdao route on May 16, offering flights on Tuesdays and Fridays. This strategic connection strengthens collaborative efforts between Hangzhou and Qingdao, providing passengers with efficient travel options.

Amid the recent "China Travel" trend, the number of inbound and outbound travelers has been steadily increasing this year. As of April 22, Qingdao airport had welcomed over 1 million passengers, marking a 21.8 percent year-on-year growth and setting a new record since its establishment.

Currently, Qingdao airport operates 22 international and regional passenger routes, with a significant focus on Japan and South Korea. Routes to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul, and Busan have elevated Qingdao's position as a key aviation hub in Northern China.

Nagoya, one of Japan's major metropolitan areas known for its industrial prowess, is now linked to Qingdao with four weekly flights. This new route facilitates business and tourism while fostering cultural and economic exchanges between China and Japan.

In addition to destinations in Southeast Asia, Qingdao airport offers intercontinental flights to Dubai, Sydney, Melbourne, Moscow, and London. Capital Airlines plans to open the Qingdao-Gatwick route on June 28 will further enhance the airport's international connectivity, attracting more European transit passengers, and elevating Qingdao's status as a pivotal transportation hub.

As the peak travel season approaches, Qingdao is once again a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from both near and far. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]