Qingdao is one of the first 14 coastal cities in China to open up, with numerous international sister cities. Its "circle of friends" has expanded to include more than 80 cities. Among these, it has formed friendly city relationships with 29 cities in 27 countries and friendly cooperative city relationships with 57 cities in 33 countries. Qingdao has been recognized with several accolades, including being named one of China's Most Economically Vibrant Cities, China's Best Business City, and one of the Chinese cities with the highest investment value in the eyes of multinational corporations.

Qingdao serves as a forefront window of China's opening-up policy, undertaking significant national strategic tasks such as building the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization （SCO） Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area and the Shandong Free Trade Pilot Zone Qingdao Area. It is entrusted with the major mission of creating a new platform for international cooperation under the "Belt and Road" initiative. Qingdao has established seven overseas Qingdao Business Centers in Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and Russia. Additionally, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand have set up consulates general in Qingdao.       

Qingdao’s International Economic Partnership Cities 

On June 10, 2018, the 18th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries was held at the Qingdao International Conference Center. Since October 19, 2019, Qingdao Multinationals Summit (QMS) has been held annually for four consecutive years. On June 27, 2023, the East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum was hosted in Qingdao.

Qingdao Multinationals Summit Held Four Times

Qingdao is also known as an Olympic city, and it hosted the sailing competitions for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Qingdao International Beer Festival, the largest beer festival in Asia, has successfully been held for 33 editions. In 2023, the 33rd Qingdao International Beer Festival welcomed 6.17 million visitors.

Largest Beer Festival in Asia - Qingdao International Beer Festival