Qingdao is steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage and is widely recognized as a cradle of Taoism. The earliest human settlement in Qingdao can be traced back to as early as 5,000 to 6,000 years ago, leaving behind a legacy of Neolithic cultural relics.  

Two of its precincts are included on China’s official list of “Renowned Streets of Cultural and Historical Significance”. Qingdao has 144 historical sites or monuments recognized and protected by the cultural heritage administration authority at the national, provincial or municipal level. It has been selected as one of the “Culture Cities of East Asia”. 

Qingdao is China’s leading city for marine science and technology (MST), and a champion of the blue economy. It is the seat of the Ocean University of China, Qingdao National MST Laboratory, and National Deep Sea Center, which all serve as national platforms for innovation. The city of Qingdao boasts 30 percent of China’s marine research institutions, 50 percent of elite Chinese marine scientists and 70 percent of the members specialized in MST at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.  

It should be noted that the five major waves of development of sea farming industry in China were all started in Qingdao. Since the central government’s approval of the Shandong Peninsula as a blue economic zone in January 2011, Qingdao has been a leading player in the core area of this zone. 

In 2014, Qingdao’s West Coast New Area was officially designated as China’s ninth State-level New Area mandated to take the lead in implementing China’s maritime strategy and develop the marine economy.