During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Qingdao, a city blessed with natural beauty and a rich heritage, prioritized cultural development. By reshaping cultural spaces, enhancing soft power, and improving public services, the city revitalized its historical legacy and unleashed a wave of cultural innovation.

Today, Qingdao stands as a dynamic cultural hub where historical charm meets modern vitality and global perspectives merge with local roots.

Historic districts like Zhongshan Road and Dabaodao Cultural and Leisure Block have been rejuvenated through careful restoration and repurposing. Traditional courtyards now host trendy cafes, art galleries, and cultural events — from comedy festivals to culinary competitions — attracting millions of visitors and breathing new life into old streets.

At the same time, Qingdao is solidifying its status as China's city of film. The Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis has grown into a major industry cluster, attracting about 1,200 companies and driving the scale of the film and related industries beyond 10 billion yuan ($1.43 billion).

Meanwhile, the rapidly emerging micro-drama production base in Cangmashan has become a hotspot for short-form content, with over 200 videos filmed since its launch. This dual-engine strategy is propelling Qingdao to new heights in the national film and television landscape.

To strengthen its cultural soft power, Qingdao has implemented a comprehensive policy framework supporting arts, intangible heritage, IP development, and international outreach. Initiatives such as an action plan for cultural tourism and targeted incentives for film and micro-drama production provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Qingdao will remain committed to fostering cultural confidence, promoting creativity and innovation, and enhancing its urban appeal. By continuing to blend preservation with progress, the city is poised to contribute meaningfully to China's vision of becoming a modern cultural powerhouse.