Qingdao, a coastal city in China's eastern Shandong province, is set to become a leading destination for marine-themed educational tours. [Photo/Jiemian News]

Qingdao, a coastal city in China's eastern Shandong province, is set to become a leading destination for marine-themed educational tours. 

Qingdao, a coastal city in China's eastern Shandong province, was the city with the most educational innovation projects in the province this year, according to a list released by the Shandong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism on Dec 18.

Four cases from the city, all marine-related, were included on the list of Shandong Provincial Educational Tourism Innovation Cases, reflecting Qingdao's efforts in recent years to explore new paths and models for promoting marine-themed educational tourism.

The coastal city of Qingdao boasts rich marine resources. [Photo/Jiemian News]

Tapping into its marine resources, Qingdao is the first city in the country to propose the goal of creating a "preferred destination for marine-themed educational travel".

The city's strength in marine research has given Qingdao a strong competitive edge in achieving the goal. Qingdao is currently home to 30 percent of the country's maritime academicians, 40 percent of its high-end maritime research and development platforms, and 50 percent of its cutting-edge technologies in the marine field.

The coastal city of Qingdao boasts rich marine resources. [Photo/Jiemian News]

Qingdao continues to expand its strength as a scientific research platform and provide intellectual support in the cultivation of educational tourism projects. It is also strengthening in-depth docking and close cooperation with various marine research institutions to promote the comprehensive integration of marine science and tourism.

Qingdao is set to become one of China's top destinations for the country's booming educational tourism.