During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Qingdao's GDP grew at an average annual rate of 5.9 percent, reaching 1.75 trillion yuan ($253.6 billion) in 2025. Per capita GDP exceeded 160,000 yuan, reaching the level of a moderately developed economy.

Looking ahead, the city aims to accelerate toward a 2-trillion-yuan economy with annual growth above 5 percent. Strategic emerging industries are expected to expand at over 8 percent annually as Qingdao pursues smarter, greener, and higher-quality development.

Innovation remains central. The city will boost science and technology spending by more than 15 percent each year and encourage enterprises to lead more R&D projects, targeting 25,000 innovative companies by 2030.

The marine economy — Qingdao's greatest strength — surpassed 580 billion yuan in 2025, accounting for over 33 percent of GDP. In the next five years, the city aims to build a modern marine center with world-class innovation, shipping, and international cooperation hubs.

Qingdao will also expand its role as a major logistics gateway, optimizing inland ports and increasing China-Europe freight train departures to over 1,500 per year by 2030. Global platforms like the Qingdao Multinationals Summit will further help build a "global Qingdao" trade network.

Well-being is central to the city's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), with over one-third of its targets related to people's livelihoods, including 1.75 million new urban jobs and an average life expectancy of 82.8 years. Qingdao, named one of China's Most Livable Cities for six consecutive years, will continue putting people first, turning residents' expectations into lasting happiness.

From its charming old town to its bustling ports, Qingdao is a city of beauty and boundless opportunity. [Photo/Guanhai News]