[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Located on the southern Shandong Peninsula, Qingdao blends natural wonders with urban vitality. The city's red-roofed architecture and emerald hills frame its azure waters, earning it the poetic name "The Green Island". Dominating the skyline is 1,133-meter Laoshan Mountain, China's tallest coastal peak, while the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, the nation's sole "National Coastal Leisure Tourism Zone",  highlights its maritime charm.

Landmarks reveal Qingdao's unique character, such as the Zhanqiao Pier and the iconic May Wind sculpture symbolizing enduring spirit. Historic Badaguan's villas and the 36-kilometer Jiaozhou Bay Bridge exemplify architectural diversity. Summer brings the International Beer Festival's malt-kissed revelry amid seafood grills.

As a key coastal node in the Belt and Road Initiative, Qingdao hosts the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area. The 2018 SCO Summit here produced the historic Qingdao Declaration, cementing its global role. From tide pools to trade corridors, Qingdao is China's gateway between the mountains and sea.