Hongdao is emerging as a modern high-tech ecological district of Qingdao.

Formerly undeveloped countryside, the area has turned into a hot spot for investment.

Most parts of Hongdao have now been incorporated into the Qingdao National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone.

More than 400 top research and development institutions and companies from around the world have set up projects in the zone.

Among them are nine State-level research and development institutions and 184 high-tech companies.

So far, more than 100 key projects have each received investments of more than 100 million yuan ($16 million).

The field of robotics will form the backbone of the high-end equipment manufacturing industry in the zone, said Chen Fei, director of the zone's administrative committee. The goal is to build a robotics research and commercialization base in the zone, he said.

A one-square-kilometer robotics park has been set up through a partnership among more than 10 leading researching institutes.

Inside the park, some 11 projects are under way, including the development of robots for industrial and underwater applications.

Software and 3D printing technology are also high priorities for the zone.

The zone now houses a software district with hundreds of companies and several production lines for 3D printers.

Local leaders remain committed to achieving growth while protecting the ecosystem. "Development is never at the cost of environment here," Chen said.

Waterways and parks can be found everywhere in the zone, making it an ideal place to settle down, Chen said.

The zone has also taken great steps to attract talent, he said.

Chen said he believes Hongdao is set to dazzle the world with its economic growth.

"In three or four years, there will be a sea change in Hongdao," Chen said. "The district will make breakthroughs in industrial restructuring and undergo a complete facelift."

xiechuanjiao@chinadaily.com.cn