In 2025, the GDP of Licang district in Shandong's Qingdao reached 70.14 billion yuan ($10.4 billion), up 5.4 percent year-on-year. The district signed and implemented 103 major projects each valued over 100 million yuan, for a total investment of 11.5 billion yuan, representing increases of 134 percent and 74 percent, respectively.

Scientific and technological innovation has become a key driver of Licang's high-quality development. Licang strengthened the role of enterprises as innovation leaders, with the Fenglin Nuclear BNCT clinical trial project fully launched and Sinopec Qingdao Petrochemical receiving a first-class Shandong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award.

The district advanced 17 industrial technology upgrade projects, including one for rubber industry powerhouse Rhein Chemie, as well as another for the world's largest pure draft beer production base, which has now completed its digital transformation.

The district's business environment continued to improve last year, adding 13,000 newly registered enterprises, ranking second in Qingdao.

A total of 354 enterprises were upgraded to designated size, with a growth rate of 23.3 percent, also ranking first in Qingdao by this metric.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Licang will focus on expanding quality growth, revitalizing its existing resources, and strengthening its innovation-driven development.

From tech innovation to business growth, Licang district in Qingdao keeps building momentum for high-quality development. [Photo/WeChat account: qdlicang]