The coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province was recognized as a national demonstration city for its booming cultural and tourism consumption at an awards ceremony held in Jinan on April 1.

Qingdao boasts rich cultural and tourism resources. [Photo/VCG]

A total of 15 cities made the list of the first batch of national demonstration cities for cultural and tourism consumption approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Qingdao has issued a series of measures to promote its cultural tourism industries during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), including providing financial funds and decreasing the ticket prices of scenic spots.

Last year, the city launched a series of measures to boost the recovery of the culture and tourism sectors, which were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Qingdao is recognized as a national demonstration city for its booming cultural and tourism consumption. [Photo/dzwww.com]

In a bid to cultivate new types of consumption and foster a complete system for domestic demand, the city raised about 1.07 billion yuan ($162.75 million) in special subsidies to boost cultural and tourism consumption.

In recent years, Qingdao has been intensifying efforts to boost its nighttime economy, building new nighttime landmarks, business districts, and living areas throughout the city.

More efforts have been made in promoting its tourism brands, products and services to build a cultural tourism system focusing on local features.