The unveiling ceremony for nine construction projects to be carried out in the Yantai FTZ is held on March 9. [Photo/dzwww.com]

The Yantai area of the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone is stepping up efforts to develop a marine economy by taking advantage of its natural environment.

The area has developed several marine industrial clusters with the support of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Marine Economic Innovation Center, and the China-Russia Marine Technology Innovation Center.

The Yantai FTZ is working to build the largest marine ranch in Asia, which will cost 8 billion yuan ($1.12 billion), and develop a recycled water salmon farming project costing $725 million.

It aims to develop into a model for high-end marine ranching in China.

The area is also focusing on boosting all-for-one tourism and plans to build a number of themed attractions along the coastline, including Bajiao River Park, Housha Square and Yangfan Square, which are currently under construction.

A sea ranch off the Yantai coast. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]