Qingdao is leveraging its rich maritime heritage to drive a new wave of cultural and tourism growth. This summer, the city became a top travel destination, with its ocean-themed events, festivals, and new offerings drawing millions of visitors.

From the ancient Langya Port — once a crucial imperial harbor — to modern yacht races and island-hopping tours, Qingdao seamlessly blends history with contemporary energy. The newly launched Friendly Shandong · Peninsula No 1 cruise connects islands like Zhaitang Island and spiritual landmarks like Langyatai, providing immersive cultural and coastal experiences.

The city's maritime tourism alliance has already welcomed over 3.5 million visitors this year, a 71 percent year-on-year increase, due to integrated management of routes, ticketing, and operations. Cruise tourism is also thriving. The Blue Dream Melody, home-ported in Qingdao, carried more than 10,000 passengers from July 30 to Aug 27 this year, over 60 percent from outside Shandong, serving as a new engine for regional tourism.

Qingdao is also expanding into oceanography tourism, with over 1,000 organizations offering study-tour programs. Six institutions, including the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have been selected as national pilot bases for high-quality study tours.

Through festivals, sports, heritage revitalization, and regional cooperation, Qingdao continues to transform its marine cultural resources into vibrant economic assets, strengthening its identity as a leading international coastal destination.

Qingdao leverages its marine cultural resources and strengthens its position as a coastal tourism and consumption hotspot. [Photo by Wang Lei/Guanhai News]