Lanshan district in Rizhao, Shandong province, with a coastline spanning 25 kilometers, has been ramping up efforts to promote the development of modern marine ranching in a bid to build a more competitive marine economy with cutting-edge technology and a healthy marine ecosystem.

The district is home to two national-level marine ranches and three provincial-level marine ranches, said a local official, adding that the district has been exploring new approaches to the integration of tourism and recreation with marine ranching.

The "Sunshine No 1" sport fishing center [Photo/dzwww.com]

The district has built a complex on the sea that carries out marine ranch intelligent management and scientific research while also serving as a recreational facility offering fishing opportunities, catering, and accommodation.

"Visitors can enjoy the first light of dawn, watch the sunset in the evening, count the stars, and listen to the sound of the waves," said a worker at the "Sunshine No 1" sport fishing center.

"It's unique compared to traditional tourism facilities, as visitors can also explore the marine ranch and enjoy some seafood."

A guestroom at the sport fishing center [Photo/dzwww.com]

A marine ranch is an area in the sea in which fishermen can use large-scale fishery facilities and systematic management systems to raise marine animals such as fish, shrimp, shellfish, and algae in a natural marine environment.

"This facility has created a new type of coastal tourism and promoted the high-quality development of the marine economy in Lanshan," said Xin Hua, director of the Lanshan district marine development bureau.

Xin said that the local government has also been promoting investment and cooperation within the marine economy. The district has already attracted nine modern marine construction projects receiving a total of 2.23 billion yuan ($321 million) in investment.

A cauldron used to steam seafood at the "Sunshine No 1" sport fishing center [Photo/dzwww.com]

An aerial photo of the sport fishing center [Photo/dzwww.com]