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An aerial view of the Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA) in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/IC]

The Qingdao WCNA was approved as a State-level new area by the State Council on June 3, 2014, becoming the ninth State-level new area in China and the only State-level new area in Shandong province.

The new area is located on the west side of Jiaozhou Bay in the coastal city of Qingdao and is one of the three main urban areas of Qingdao. It covers 2,096 square kilometers of land and about 5,000 sq km of ocean. Focused on driving the marine economy, the Qingdao WCNA is a crucial force spearheading Qingdao's socio-economic development.

A leading area for high-quality development

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Qingdao WCNA achieved 500.34 billion yuan ($69.81 billion) in 2023. This represents a 6.0 percent growth compared to the previous year, surpassing the city's average growth rate by 0.1 percentage points.

Listed as one of China's top three new areas, Qingdao WCNA has been selected as a high-quality development area in Shandong province for three years in a row.

A new highland for reform and opening-up

The China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone Qingdao Area, or Qingdao FTZ, which is located in Qingdao WCNA, has been focusing on institutional innovation. A total of 285 reform and innovation measures have been applied in the Qingdao FTZ, 11 of which have been replicated and promoted nationwide, and 52 have been replicated and promoted across the province.

A new model for urban construction

The Qingdao WCNA made efforts to modernize the city's infrastructure last year, completing 28 projects that saw old residential areas renovated. The new area plans to reconstruct 46 old residential areas by the end of 2023.

The Qingdao WCNA has also been working to enhance its soft power and comprehensive competitiveness as a State-level new area as it strives to become a "Metropolis of Film, Island of Music, City of Beer and Coast of Exhibition".

A new paradigm of livability and happiness

The Qingdao WCNA is rich in natural resources and has comprehensive business facilities, well-developed educational and medical systems, and sound financial and legal service systems. It has an international environment suitable for living and working. In fact, the new area is a recipient of the China Best Employment Promotion Award and the National Excellent City of Social Governance Innovation honor.