In recent years, Shinan district, Qingdao, Shandong, has been successfully blending culture and tourism by introducing an innovative immersive maritime epic musical called Seek the Dream of the Ocean. This show, inspired by Qingdao's marine culture and Chinese navigation history, premiered on Feb 24 at the Olympic Sailing Center theater and has garnered high praise.

The maritime musical Seek the Dream of the Ocean is performed daily at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in Shinan district. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The show was highlighted at the 2024 Shandong High-Quality Cultural and Tourism Industry Development Conference in April.

With over 110 performances and more than 52,900 attendees, the musical has earned 2 million yuan ($275,640.79) in box office revenue. It intricately weaves together the ancient sea yearnings of past generations, the maritime spirit embodied by legendary navigator Xu Fu, and the aspirations of modern sailor Qi Kunpeng, illustrating a grand narrative of maritime exploration over millennia.

The musical portrays the ancient ancestors of the Moshui River longing for the sea in a primitive tribe setting. [Photo/Dazhong News]

This musical follows the journey of professional competitive sailor Qi Kunpeng, highlighting the life ideals of today's young adults. [Photo/Dazhong News]

The theater has a total area of around 3,300 square meters and a usable space of approximately 1,800 square meters, accommodating 644 spectators. It features advanced technology like full-area projection, surround sound, and immersive seats, providing audiences with a 270-degree visual experience.