As an international comprehensive transport hub, Qingdao uses its coastal-inland advantage to redefine modern logistics. The city hosts all four types of national logistics hubs: production service, port, commercial service, and airport.

Substantial infrastructure projects during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), with a 48 percent investment jump from before, have built a strong base. Key projects like Qingdao Port rail lines and a 400,000-metric-ton ore terminal have boosted hub capabilities.

As digital tech grows, Qingdao is going beyond old logistics limits with smart, integrated solutions. The city uses AI in operations, leading in port automation and launching big smart hubs like the Qingdao hub of China-Europe railway express and JD Asia No 1 smart logistics park.

Innovation keeps going with new applications. In June 2023, Qingdao launched northern China's first low-altitude logistics route. A year later, a new "subway-to-airport" delivery model started, using special subway cars on Line 8 to move goods straight to Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. This system — with undersea rail, unmanned last-mile delivery, and air transport — cuts delivery time by over 50 percent compared to road transport.

Lu Yujun, director of the city's transportation bureau, said Qingdao will work harder to lower costs and improve quality. The city will push its national and provincial pilot programs and create a modern logistics plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), setting a strong start for the next logistics phase.

As an international comprehensive transport hub, Qingdao uses its coastal-inland advantage to redefine modern logistics. [Photo/Guanhai News]