Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong Province, is located on the southern coast of the Shandong Peninsula, bordering the Yellow Sea to the east and south. It serves as an important maritime transportation hub in northern China and a vital gateway connecting the Bohai Economic Circle with the international market. The name "Qingdao" (literally "Green Island") originates from the small island off its coast—once covered with lush green vegetation, the island gave the city its iconic name that has endured for centuries.

Surrounded by seas and dotted with bays, the city boasts a stunning coastal landscape. Unlike inland cities, Qingdao features a unique blend of blue waters, golden beaches, and rolling green hills, creating a picturesque scenery that attracts millions of visitors annually. The climate is a pleasant temperate marine monsoon type, with mild winters and cool summers—never swelteringly hot in summer nor bitterly cold in winter. Spring, with its blooming cherry blossoms, and autumn, with its clear skies and gentle sea breezes, are particularly ideal seasons for traveling and sightseeing.

The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by both traditional Chinese customs and a distinctive German colonial influence, as well as its world-famous marine resources. As a former German concession, Qingdao retains numerous well-preserved European-style buildings, such as the iconic Tsingtao Beer Museum and St. Michael's Cathedral, forming a unique architectural landscape that blends East and West. Additionally, as one of China's top coastal cities, it is celebrated for its fresh seafood, time-honored Tsingtao Beer, and vibrant marine culture—including traditional fishing villages, modern marine parks, and international sailing events. Qingdao is also hailed as "China's Sailing City" for its excellent maritime conditions, hosting major events like the Olympic Sailing Competition.