Qingdao is a major city in eastern Shandong Province. Located on the eastern coast of the country, it is one of China's most livable cities. Known for its beautiful beaches, sprawling parks, and upscale shopping districts, Qingdao is a popular tourist destination. Since the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Qingdao has been a crucial port city, influencing other cities around the world. It is famous for its mix of European and Chinese architecture, May Fourth Square, Zhanqiao Pier, and the iconic Tsingtao Brewery.

As per the 2020 census, Qingdao had a population of 9,046,200. When it comes to diversity, Qingdao is considered one of the most culturally rich cities in China. As a city in the People's Republic of China, the official language is Mandarin. However, the city is also home to a significant number of Korean and Japanese speakers due to historical and economic ties. Qingdao is also the home of the Tsingtao Brewery, which hosts the annual Qingdao International Beer Festival. The city is known for its European styled architecture, a remnant of its German occupation, and its famous red-roofed houses.

Qingdao operates under a mayor-council system, with the mayor acting as the executive and the council acting as the legislative branch. The Qingdao Municipal People's Government is the executive body of the local state authority, and the Qingdao Municipal People's Congress is the legislative body. The Political Consultative Conference is the advisory body consisting of representatives from various sectors of society. The city is divided into seven districts and three county-level cities, each with local administrative offices responsible for local services.

Qingdao is one of the top cities for economic output in Shandong Province. It thrives in trade and commerce with a GDP of over ¥1 trillion. The city's economy is dominated by heavy industry, particularly shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, electronics, and petrochemicals. It also has a robust tourism sector, contributing significantly to its economy. The Port of Qingdao is one of the busiest in the world, handling over 500 million tons of cargo each year.

Qingdao's infrastructure is well-developed. It has an efficient public transportation system, including the Qingdao Metro, extensive bus services, and numerous taxi companies. The city also has a well-established network of expressways and railways connecting it with other major cities in China. The Qingdao Liuting International Airport serves as a significant air hub in Eastern China. Qingdao is also known for its sustainable urban planning initiatives, such as the 'red-green-blue' space layout and 'sponge city' construction.