Zhanqiao Pier, an iconic scenic area in Qingdao, Shandong province, is a must-visit destination. [Photo by Wang Haibin/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Qingdao in East China's Shandong province was designated as the tourism and cultural capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization from 2024 to 2025, which has in turn boosted the city's thriving tourism market.

According to the 2024 Summer Tourism Market Forecast Report by Ctrip, Qingdao ranks seventh among popular inbound tourist destinations during the summer. The report shows a 67 percent year-on-year increase in ticket orders for Qingdao's attractions, a 60 percent year-on-year increase in outbound travel reservations, and a 52 percent year-on-year increase in inbound travel reservations.

The peak tourism season in Qingdao lasts from mid-July to mid-August every year. Popular summer attractions include the former German governor's mansion, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, the Qingdao Polar Ocean World, and the Qingdao Olympic Sailing and Maritime Culture Tourism Area. Being a coastal city, Qingdao's cool weather has attracted a large number of visitors seeking respite from the summer heat.