Qingdao has kicked off a two-month inbound tourism promotion campaign, leveraging summer cultural highlights such as the Qingdao International Beer Festival and the 2026 SCO Summer Events.

Sightseeing cruises see a massive surge in popularity in Qingdao. [Photo/Guaihai News]

The campaign was officially launched on July 31 at the 2026 International Friends @ Qingdao inbound tourism product matchmaking conference, bringing together over 80 domestic and international tourism professionals. The event featured product presentations, business matchmaking, and a Qingdao photo exhibition.

Qingdao's inbound tourism market has experienced remarkable growth. In the first half of this year, the city received 443,000 inbound visitors through its ports, a 56.23 percent year-on-year increase. This is more than the total figure for all of 2024 and the first three quarters of 2025 combined. Every weekend, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport sees a surge in arrivals, with South Korean independent travelers flocking to the city. "Spending the weekend in Qingdao" has become a hot topic on South Korean social media.

A favorite among international tourists, Qingdao offers a perfect mix of cultural experiences and a wide range of retail options. [Photo/Guanhai News]

To tap into this momentum, the city has implemented targeted marketing strategies. For the South Korean free independent traveler market, the city's culture and tourism bureau partnered with the China National Tourist Office in Seoul to invite four South Korean influencers to experience the city's attractions, including the Golden Beach Beer City, Badaguan scenic area, and Tsingtao Beer Museum. From Southeast Asia, nine influencers were invited to capture Qingdao's summer vibes and old-town charm.

By enhancing services and strengthening global partnerships, Qingdao is ready to welcome more international visitors and deliver even more memorable travel experiences.

As Qingdao continues to enhance its inbound tourism offerings and service standards, the city is committed to becoming a more open, welcoming, and globally connected destination. [Photo/Guanhai News]