The eastern coastal city of Qingdao on Feb 12 welcomed Shandong province's first Hong Kong tourist group since the Chinese mainland fully resumed normal travel to and from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions on Feb 6.

Twenty-three tourists from Hong Kong were welcomed by local tourism authorities and representatives of scenic areas. They will enjoy a five-day tour in Qingdao and plan to visit the Laoshan Mountain Scenic Area, the May Fourth Square, the Tsingtao Beer Museum, former residences of cultural celebrities, Wheat Island Park and other popular attractions.

The tour group members said that they are full of expectations for this trip as they have long heard of the beautiful scenery, gourmet food and friendly people of Qingdao.

In order to promote the recovery of its inbound tourism market, Shandong province plans to strengthen tourist attractions, which will be allocated a total of 50 million yuan ($7.31 million) for compensation and awards.

Shandong plans to host a series of tourism promotional activities in Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe and other key inbound tourist source markets.

Hong Kong tourists are welcomed at their arrival on Feb 12 in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo/Qingdao News]

Hong Kong tourists visit Qingdao after a rather agonizing three-year wait caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. [Photo/Qingdao News]

Qingdao boasts a picturesque landscape. [Photo/Qingdao News]

The Olympic Sailing Center, an iconic scenic spot of Qingdao [Photo/Qingdao News]