A view of the West Coast New Area in Qingdao, a coastal city of East Shandong province. [Photo/VCG]

11. West Coast New Area

China's State Council approved the establishment of Qingdao West Coast New Area in Qingdao, a coastal city of East Shandong province in 2014.

The area, in the west coast of Jiaozhou Bay, covers Huangdao district in the coastal city. The area's land size is 2,096 square km and the sea area is about 5,000 square km.

It focuses on the development of the marine economy and emerging marine industries.

The area, aiming to pilot marine technology innovation and serves as a strategic base for deep sea and off-shore exploration, plays a role in seeking new ways for scientific development in the country's marine economy.