Shinan district in Qingdao, Shandong province is blazing a trail in developing culturally creative products with Chinese characteristics, creating a national trendy brand and building itself into a center for original brands and unique consumer experiences.

The district is home to numerous cultural spots including the Liangyou Bookstore where visitors can get a hand-painted map showcasing Qingdao's urban areas, the Shiguangyinji Movable-Type Printing Experience Hall that offers a complete set of movable library, ink rollers and brushes, and the Zanyi Oil Painting Museum, which is the first oil painting-themed museum in China.

Seashell is a cultural symbol of Qingdao. Established in 1962, Qingdao Shell Carving Handicraft Factory is a large-scale enterprise in China that produces shell carving handicrafts. Its products are exported to more than 40 countries and regions around the world. At the factory, visitors can learn about the production process, material selection and how to carve, mold and paint shell handicrafts.

Shinan has opened cultural markets in the Badaguan Scenic Area, the Olympic Sailing Center and the old downtown area. The Moon Market is located along the Badaguan-Taipingjiao architectural complex and has been committed to creating a global creative market for visitors from home and abroad with seafood, wine, interactive performances and unique cultural products. 

Others include the German-style Star Market on the roof of the Qingdao Ancient Observatory and the Xiadawu Rooftop Market that boasts more than 50 domestic brands from across the country.