In 2025, Shinan district's GDP exceeded 173.76 billion yuan ($25.68 billion), up 5.1 percent year-on-year. Industrial output above designated size surged 16.5 percent — the highest growth rate in Qingdao — reflecting the district's solid economic foundation.

The modern service sector was a key driver, contributing 92.4 percent to economic growth. The digital economy, modern finance, fashion consumption, and marine economy all performed well, with marine tourism accounting for more than 90 percent of Qingdao's total visitors last year in the tourism segment.

As Qingdao's central urban core, Shinan is building a city-wide, barrier-free innovation zone. This year, the district plans to increase the value-added of core digital economy industries by an average of 18.9 percent, cultivate more than 40 vertical AI models, and build trusted data spaces in key sectors such as shipping, trade, and marine industries.

The district is also advancing its modern industrial system, covering the headquarters economy, digital economy, modern finance, high-end business services, fashion consumption, shipping trade, and cultural tourism, with a focus on innovation and future industries.

In modern finance, the district aims to attract over 20 billion yuan in new fund investments. Emerging sectors include marine life sciences and a new energy vehicle industrial park, while future-oriented fields such as aerospace information and embodied intelligence are also being explored.

For this year, Shinan is targeting GDP growth above 5 percent, general public budget revenue growth of 2 percent, and per capita disposable income growth in line with GDP.

The district also plans to bring in more than 160 quality industrial projects, add more than 30 newly included enterprises, and accelerate the implementation of 30 key projects with a total investment of 36.4 billion yuan.

Located in Shinan district, Zhanqiao Pier offers stunning seaside views and is a must-visit Qingdao landmark. [Photo/Guanhai News]