Qingdao is an important national regional economic center, an international shipping center in Northeast Asia, an international holiday resort in coastal areas, a famous international port city. It is a sub-provincial city, an economic center in Jiaodong Peninsula, one of the first coastal cities open to the outside world, a national historical and cultural city, one of the first National Civilization cities, National Health City, the China Marine Scientific Research Center, one of the Top Ten economically dynamic city, China’s top ten business city, one of the most favorable investment environment city, one of the top 8 cities to host international conferences, the first pilot city to push forward technological innovation, a model city of environmental protection, national garden city. It was granted the the “most inhabitable environment award” in China.

Qingdao was approved to be one of the second group of cities to build low carbon city. In 2005, it is the most aspired city to live in by the public. Jimo, Jiaozhou, Pingdu, Laixi are four county-level satellite cities in Qingdao, all ranking among the top 100 counties in China. Qingdao is known for its numerous brands and is awarded as the Capital of Chinese Brands and the City of Beer. Badaguan in Qingdao was listed as one of the five most beautiful city districts in China by Chinese National Geography in 2005. In 2007, it is the only city in China to be listed as one of the Most Beautiful Coastal Cities in the World. In 2008, Qingdao successfully hosted the sailing races of the 29th Olympic Games, becoming the Capital of Sailing in the World.

On January 7, 2011, the State Council approved the planning of developing Blue Economic Zone in Shandong Peninsula, in which Qingdao is positioned as the leading city. Qingdao was honored in 2012 as the Best Leisure City and the Happiest City in China. It is one of the cities that hosts the most amount of large-scale sports games and international conferences in China. Qingdao successfully hosted the sailing races of the 29th Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the branch sessions of Jinan National Games. It will also hold two Sailing World Cup in 2013 and 2014 respectively. In 2014, the World Horticultural Exposition will also be held in Qingdao. In addition, the World Leisure Games will be held in Qingdao in 2015.