Capital of sailing

Qingdao hosted the sailing events in the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics, and has China's finest yachting facilities. In the past two years, it has hosted many international regattas along with the Volvo Ocean Race, the Clipper Round the World Race and the Extreme Sailing Series.

Famous brands

In 2005, Qingdao was named a Famous Brand City in China. The coastal city has 68 of China's Famous Trademarks, 53 national brand name products, 322 famous provincial brands and 401 local brands. In 2010, Qingdao-headquartered Haier had the world's largest market share in white goods, while household electrical appliance maker Hisense has developed into a multibillion dollar global conglomerate.

Home to Tsingtao

Ranking sixth globally in beer production, Tsingtao is the oldest brewery in China. After a century of development, the brew is now sold in more than 70 countries and regions.

Oceanic economy

The city government is determined to build Qingdao into "China's Blue Silicon Valley" in the next 10 years. By 2015, the city plans to be a leader in oceanic development and a major part of the "blue economic zone" with independent R&D and a demonstration area for ocean ecological protection.

Livable city, tourism

Qingdao has one of China's most spectacular environments, with four clearly defined seasons and excellent air quality. It is a popular tourist destination and health resort. Its beaches, century-old European-style buildings and Laoshan Mountain overlooking the sea are some of the most popular attractions.

(China Daily 10/20/2011 page24)