Qingdao has been named one of China's top cities for attracting talent for the sixth time, joining Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Chengdu, according to the annual list released on Dec 19.

This year, Qingdao has reinforced its talent initiative by introducing a comprehensive policy package, featuring one main measure and 12 detailed rules for improving its talent ecosystem.

The city is now home to over 3 million professionals, including 43 resident academicians and more than 2,700 high-level experts recognized at the provincial or national levels.

This ongoing talent growth underscores Qingdao's increasing appeal. The city has been recognized as one of the "most attractive Chinese cities for foreign talent" for 14 years and is frequently featured in rankings such as the "2024 Talent-Friendly Cities" list.

What makes Qingdao so appealing? The answer lies in its strong industrial foundation and supportive talent environment.

The city is developing dynamic industrial systems — from intelligent home appliances and modern light industry to emerging sectors like AI, the low-altitude economy, and life sciences, providing numerous opportunities for professionals.

In the first three quarters of the year, the production of optoelectronic devices, integrated circuit wafers, VR equipment, and polysilicon products increased by 77 percent, 68 percent, 65.8 percent, and 32.9 percent, respectively, highlighting the high-tech growth that attracts talent.

Currently, Qingdao has attracted over 172,000 young professionals and 871 postdoctoral researchers, with a 76 percent retention rate for those completing their programs — the highest in Shandong province.

Qingdao is named one of China's top cities for attracting talent, joining Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Chengdu, according to the annual list released on Dec 19. [Photo/Guanhai News]