The Planning Exhibition Hall for the Qingdao Ocean-Based R&D Core Area opened on Feb 26 after a half-year construction, according to Qilu Evening News.

Located at the north end of the Qingdao International Expo, the red cube-like Exhibition Hall covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers.

Construction started on Aug 27, 2012, and was completed last month. In the first half of 2013, an experience zone and a 4D theatre will be available to the public to display marine research and technology.

Free tours require reservations in advance and are scheduled every Tuesday and Saturday morning for the public.

Edited by Michael Thai, Li Xiaoliang and Gao Yuan