Dear young friends,

Good morning. On the occasion of launching the “International Youth Dialogue”, I would like to extend, on behalf of Qingdao Municipal Government, my sincere greetings and best wishes to you all.

Located on the shores of the Yellow Sea, Qingdao is an important coastal central city in China, a well-known tourist destination, an international port, and a city steeped in rich historical and cultural heritage. It is an appealing, livable, pro-business tourism city by the bay.

Blessed with a pleasant climate, Qingdao is a city linking the land and the sea, with its airport, railway and sea pot connecting the city with the world. Covering a land area of 11,293 km2, Qingdao has a total population over 10 million and people of Qingdao are warm and open-minded. The city is rated by the UN as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Qingdao is renowned for its dynamic and prosperous economy, and a strong atmosphere of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to a number of world-class enterprises, such as Haier, Hisense, Tsingtao Brewery and CRRC Sifang. Over 170 Fortune 500 companies have invested in more than 400 projects in Qingdao. The city also has a host of universities, research institutes and platforms for innovation and startups. Qingdao has for 10 consecutive years been put on the list of the “10 most Attractive Chinese Cities in the Eyes of International Talent”.

Mountains, the ocean, the sea bays and the town all blend into a unique picturesque view in Qingdao. Its perpetual cityscape is characterized by “red roofs nestling in green foliage” and “the blue sea meeting the azure sky”. The city also prides itself for the European-style architecture and the fusion of diversified cultures. Qingdao has long been reputed as the Beer Capital of China, the Sailing City of China and the City of Music. It is named by the UNESCO as a City of Film.

Youth are the source of energy for a city, and the main engine powering social and economic development. Qingdao is striving to build a youth-friendly city by providing more opportunities for their growth and more platforms for their innovation and startups. We expect to see our young people succeed in Qingdao and their success will also contribute to the city’s effort to build a vibrant ocean city, a livable and lovable city and a modern international metropolis.

Even mountains and seas can’t distance people with common aspirations. We sincerely invite our young friends around the world to Qingdao to pursue your dreams, unleash your passion and fulfill your ambitions in this youthful city.