Qingdao's marine tourism has achieved a historic milestone, with annual visitor numbers exceeding 4 million for the first time, solidifying its position as the top destination in northern China and among the top three nationally.

This remarkable growth — from just 88,000 visitors in 2022 — highlights the "Qingdao speed" in the rapid development of marine tourism. The success is driven by an innovative model where the Qingdao Tourism Group leads a unified operating entity, consolidating 63 ferry operators. This collaboration between government, State-owned enterprises, and private companies has overcome longstanding industry challenges like fragmentation and inconsistent standards.

The high-quality development of Qingdao's marine tourism is underpinned by strategic spatial expansion and continuous upgrades in product offerings. The late-October inauguration of the Hongdao Dongdayang Pier, coupled with the launch of a new cruise route, has been pivotal in extending the See Qingdao from the Sea brand northward. This move has established the beginnings of a comprehensive marine tourism framework stretching from the Jiaozhou Bay in the north to Zhaitang Island in the south, featuring multi-point connectivity and a north-south corridor.

On the product supply side, Qingdao has deepened its "ocean plus" strategy, creating a diverse portfolio that includes 19 premium routes and 33 comprehensive product categories. This approach successfully transforms cultural tourism traffic into substantial consumption growth. For instance, the Dongdayang route combines bay sightseeing with popular science education, partnering with the Qingdao Science and Technology Museum to offer a unique "marine + science" experience that has attracted visitors even during the traditional off-season for tourism.

Over the past four years, Qingdao's marine tourism has undergone a remarkable transformation from a niche offering to a mainstream destination. The city saw 88,000 visitors in 2022, 1.01 million in 2023, over 2.6 million in 2024, and more than 4 million this year, establishing itself as a top destination for cultural tourism. This impressive achievement stems from the sustained efforts of Qingdao's cultural tourism sector.

Qingdao's marine tourism achieves a historic milestone, with annual visitor numbers exceeding 4 million for the first time. [Photo/Qingdao News]