As the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) begins, Dongying — a city where the Yellow River meets the sea — is undergoing a profound strategic awakening. On Jan 20, the 5th session of the 9th Dongying Municipal People's Congress unveiled a roadmap that signals a bold shift from resource dependency to innovation-driven growth, transforming this historic energy hub into a vanguard of modern sustainability.
New ecological standard
Dongying is redefining its identity through a triple-demonstration vision. As an ecological benchmark, the city has evolved from an industrial outpost to a global model, with the Yellow River Estuary National Park nearing completion and resident bird species documented at 376.
This commitment has also extended to saline-alkali innovation, where Dongying leads China by turning barren landscapes into fertile fields with 87 new salt-tolerant crop varieties.
Furthermore, as a new energy powerhouse, the city's renewable capacity now doubles that of coal, establishing it as a national leader in offshore wind and battery storage.
For the first time, the phenomenon of "bird waves" has been officially included in the Shandong government's work report. [Photo/IC]
Advanced Industrial Upgrading
The city is evolving by focusing on high-tech manufacturing rather than just raw processing. Traditional industries are shifting from basic oil refining to producing high-end chemicals and specialized materials.
Meanwhile, emerging sectors are booming, highlighted by the world's largest offshore wind turbines and new zero-carbon industrial parks. With 13 companies in China's Top 500, Dongying is successfully trading its "oil city" roots for a future in the "new energy economy".
The world's largest 26MW-class offshore wind turbine in Dongying is successfully connected to the grid. [Photo/IC]
Shared social prosperity
For 2026, Dongying is targeting a steady rate of GDP growth at around 5.5 percent, supported by 346 key projects. Yet, the strategy remains deeply human-centric, pledging 15 practical ways to improve people's livelihoods ranging from elderly care to urban renewal. By balancing strategic height with social warmth, Dongying is accelerating its journey toward becoming a vibrant, modern, and high-quality city on the Yellow River Delta.
As the Yellow River meets the sea, Dongying is not just witnessing history but shaping it — building a city where ecological beauty, industrial strength, and human happiness converge.
