With in-depth “culture + science and technology” integration, Qingdao has rapidly incorporated latest advances in science and technology into the whole process of cultural products ranging from production, broadcasting to consumption. With these efforts, new forms of activities, industries and scenarios continue to arise, and the cultural sector is both well-received and commercially successful.

Over recent years, Qingdao-based cultural technology companies and projects, including Xun Meng Cang Hai, an immersive digital performance, the Laoshan Cultural Exhibition Center, the GoerTek Global R&D Headquarters, the huge naked-eye 3D display screen in Qingdao GT Plaza, “Encountering the Sea along the Yellow River”, a project for presentation of digital technology, and “The Eternal Pyramid” VR immersive expedition, have revealed not only technological transformations, but also development trends in the cultural industry, and the enabling role of science and technology in boosting high-quality development of the cultural sector. To date, Goldon Digital Creativity Co., Ltd., based in Qingdao, has ranked among the fifth batch of China’s demonstration bases for integration of culture and science and technology, four Qingdao-based enterprises and parks, including the 22nd Industry Park and the Lingshan Bay Film and TV Cultural Industry Base, have been rated as Shandong provincial cluster bases or leading business bases, and there are as many as 18 municipal demonstration bases for integration of culture and science and technology.

Qingdao-based cultural enterprises above designated size in 2024 realized an operating revenue of RMB200.2 bln, a year-on-year increase of 8.5%. Notably, the revenue of cultural companies engaging in new forms of business such as digital culture surged 17.4% year on year. (Cui Yan)

Xun Meng Cang Hai, an immersive digital performance. By Zhao Jianpeng