The Qingdao International Conference Center square in Shinan district, Qingdao was bustling with excitement as it played host to the "Hello, 2024" New Year's Eve performance.

However, the highlight of the celebration was the unique cruise concert aboard the Blue Pearl cruise ship, which combined Qingdao's local marine culture with classical music, enchanting the audience with its festive ambiance.

As people enjoyed the cruise concert, the Olympic Sailing Center was adorned with beautiful New Year decorations, bringing a touch of glamour to the evening. The Fushan Bay light show dazzled with its vibrant display of lights, showcasing the city's modern landscape.

To further enhance the experience, Qingdao Tourism Group introduced a variety of special activities. The sea tourism experience was particularly popular, with four creative boat-related activities offered during the three-day New Year holiday. These included the highly popular cruise concert, the last sunset "Orange Sea Special Line" of 2023, the New Year's Eve cruise, and a sunrise cruise to welcome the first sunrise of 2024.

The popularity of these activities was evident, as they sold out several days in advance. In fact, Qingdao Tourism Group recorded over 11,000 trips and attracted more than 1 million visitors in 2023 alone, generating an impressive operating revenue of 108 million yuan ($15.15 million). This success surpassed the cumulative revenue of the previous three years, reaffirming Qingdao's position as the leading city in Shandong province in terms of sea tourism.

People in Qingdao gather to celebrate New Year's Eve. [Photo/Qingdao News]