Qingdao lies in the southeast of Shandong province. It is one of the largest industrial centers, and port cities in China. It has an area of 10,654 square km, and a population of 6.73 million. The city is open to tourism and trade.

Qingdao is bounded on the southeast by the Yellow Sea. About half of the area are mountains and hills, the rest is fertile plains. It has a temperate maritime climate with an annual average temperature of 12, and about 209 frost-free days. Annual rainfall averages 222 millimeters.

The main mineral deposits of Qingdao are graphite, gold, granite, turquoise, and crystal. It is also rich in sea resources, including fish, and salt. The chief farm products are wheat, peanuts, and fruit.

Qingdao is one of the most important textile industry centers in China, and also a large industrial producer, concentrating on diesel locomotives, chemical products, rubber, electric appliances, machinery, and handcraft. The Qingdao Economic and Technical Development Zone has already been established.

Qingdao has some first-class harbors with international transportation links. Ocean-going ships of up to 10,000 tons can load and unload at these harbors. The Huangdao wharf is a large oil wharf that can be used by oil tankers of 200,000 tons. The rail, road and air transportation facilities are also perfect.

Qingdao is a seaside city with beautiful beaches and mountains. Laoshan, a mountain area covering some 400 square km, is a well-known scenic area. The hot spring in Jimoui, the Mausoleum of 500 Martyrs in Tianheng, the Nanlan Relic in Laixi, and the Gucheng Relic are the region's premier tourist attractions. The special local-made products include beer, wine, embroidery, and shell pictures.