With renewed ambition, Qingdao, the coastal jewel of East China's Shandong province, is stepping up its role as a vital bridge that fosters international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.

At the Global Mayors Dialogue · Qingdao event on Saturday, Ren Gang, mayor of Qingdao, described the event as an excellent platform to enhance mutual understanding, deepen friendships, and promote cooperation and development.

"Through this event, more foreign friends are gaining a deeper understanding of China, a nation rooted in ancient traditions, full of vitality and undergoing profound changes," he said.

The event was attended by mayors from countries including Japan, South Korea, Greece, and Cambodia. The dialogue highlights included marine tourism, revitalizing historic districts through cultural tourism, and developing international tourism to promote people-to-people exchanges.

Qingdao is defined by the sea. Recognized by China as a pivotal coastal hub and a modern marine city, it shoulders national strategic significance and local responsibility.

The city highlighted its strengths in the blue marine economy at Saturday's event. It is home to one-third of China's marine academicians, about half of its marine research and development platforms, and 50 percent of its marine-related scientific achievements. The Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group handled 710 million metric tons of cargo in 2024, ranking fourth globally. It ranked fifth in terms of container volume, with 30.78 million TEUs.

Qingdao is also home to several unique institutions, including the country's only comprehensive marine university, national museum of marine archaeology, and naval museum, as well as its first aquarium, the Qingdao Aquarium, which was built in 1932.

Qingdao's 800-kilometer coastline is dotted with 49 bays and the famous Taoist Laoshan Mountain. The city also connects vibrant urban districts, including the West Coast New Area, which contributes one-third of the city's GDP.

Ren said Qingdao is making efforts to learn from global cities in revitalizing historic districts, especially its sister cities. "The ultimate goal is to benefit locals, improve the quality of their lives, and attract visitors to experience our culture and lifestyle," he said.

The Japanese city of Shimonoseki is Qingdao's first sister city, and Hungary's Somogy County just became its 95th. Ren said that sister city cooperation plays a vital role in international exchange, adding that the more distinct and different sister cities are, the greater the opportunities for collaboration. "Friendship fosters cooperation, and cooperation promotes development," he said.

According to the mayor, the city intends to make good use of exchange mechanisms to expand practical cooperation and extend people-to-people diplomacy.

"We sincerely welcome friends from all over the world to visit Qingdao and experience the infinite charm of this city of vigor, culture, and hospitality," Ren added.