The coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, is renowned as China's sailing capital. [Photo/WeChat account: sailing city-qingdao]

The coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, is now on China's first list of top outdoor sports spots, known for its exceptional marine sports.

The announcement was made on Oct 24 from six national authorities, including the National Development and Reform Commission.

At the China Outdoor Sports Industry Conference on Oct 25, Cai Quanji, director of Qingdao Sports Bureau, displayed the city's marine sports growth and invited the world to enjoy its coastal activities and major sporting events.

The coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, is now on China's first list of top outdoor sports spots, known for its exceptional marine sports. [Photo/WeChat account: sailing city-qingdao]

Qingdao has 11,700 square kilometers of sea and a 905-km coastline with 120 islands. With more than 280 days a year good for water sports, the city has been a top choice for international talent for 14 consecutive years.

With a GDP of 1.67 trillion yuan ($235.26 billion), Qingdao's sports industry makes 99 billion yuan, with 9,019 sports businesses. The city hosts about 15 global sailing events a year, making it Asia's leading sailing competition hub.

Qingdao hosts over 20 water sports events annually and has key events like the Qingdao International Sailing Week · Qingdao International Marine Festival and the China (Qingdao) International Marine Sports Convention, both now top global events.

Qingdao has 11,700 square kilometers of sea and a 905-km coastline with 120 islands. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Qingdao plans to strengthen its position as a world-famous sailing capital and global marine sports hub by improving its major bays, growing its marine sports industry, and creating new sports trends while helping outdoor sports businesses grow.