Laoshan district in Qingdao has again been recognized by the Shandong provincial government for its exceptional performance in terms of county-level high-quality development in 2025.

This marks the fourth consecutive year since 2022 that Laoshan has received this prestigious honor. In 2025, the district's GDP reached 140.29 billion yuan ($20.8 billion), climbing 6.2 percent year-on-year — the highest growth rate in Qingdao.

In recent years, Laoshan has steadily built a modern industrial system. It has accelerated the development of a modern industrial framework, promoting coordinated growth in advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, and modern services.

Innovation remains a key driver. Laoshan is advancing the development of the Qingdao science and technology innovation corridor. Key projects such as the Qingdao base of the national advanced computing industry innovation center, and the Qingdao marine engineering joint innovation research institute have also been established.

When it comes to rural-urban integration, Laoshan has leveraged its mountain and sea resources to build a distinctive countryside model.

Meanwhile, the brand value of Laoshan tea has reached 2.18 billion yuan, achieving a breakthrough for the province's tea industry.

Laoshan is the only district in Shandong recognized as being one of the first national demonstration zones for a beautiful countryside, showcasing its commitment to shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Laoshan blends mountain and sea resources with rural vitalization, creating a model for balanced urban‑rural development in Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]