During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Qingdao remained committed to a people-centered development philosophy, continuously improving urban functionality and quality through urban renewal projects.

The city's urbanization rate has reached 78.87 percent, and as resources are efficiently allocated and urban functions upgraded, more residents are sharing in the city's development achievements. Qingdao is accelerating its progress toward becoming an innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, civilized, and smart modern city for its people.

Qingdao has repeatedly ranked among China's top 10 cities for best quality of life and happiness, distinguishing itself from among over 690 cities nationwide. In addition to its rich cultural atmosphere and pleasant climate, the enhanced living environment and efficient transportation have become hallmarks of the city.

Additionally, the city renovated 260 urban villages, and upgraded 1,584 old residential communities, benefiting approximately 480,000 families.

During the period, Qingdao has blossomed into a "city of 1,000 parks", having developed numerous urban parks, hilltop parks, and pocket parks to high standards. As of October this year, with a total of 1,031 parks across the city, the "20-minute park effect" has become more seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of residents.

Adhering to green and low-carbon principles, Qingdao has enhanced its extensive 905.2-kilometer coastline, where vibrant bays like Lingshan Bay and Laoshan Bay attract numerous visitors.

The city has also undertaken the comprehensive ecological rehabilitation of key rivers, including the 11.5-km middle and lower sections of the Licun and Zhangcun rivers. These projects involved dredging, ecological restoration, and the development of greenways and thematic nodes, transforming the areas into refreshed ecological corridors that are open to the public.

Qingdao is home to a total of 1,031 parks, with the "20-minute park effect" becoming more seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of residents. [Photo/Guanhai News]