The transportation network in Qingdao, Shandong province will be improved significantly during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period, according to a transportation development plan recently released by the Shandong Provincial Government.

According to the plan, Shandong will build Shandong Port Group, which is headquartered in Qingdao, into a world-class port group.

Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong province, has been listed as a national logistics center. [Photo/VCG]

Qingdao Port, which comprises 120 productive berths, is the fifth-largest port in the world in terms of annual cargo throughout.

Qingdao, as well as the provincial capital Jinan, will be fostered into international comprehensive transportation hubs.

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport will be put into operation next month. Its opening will make Qingdao the fourth city on the Chinese mainland with two international airports, following Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu.

An aerial view of Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport [Photo/guanhai.com.cn]

In addition, Yantai, Weifang, Linyi, and Heze will be built into four national comprehensive transportation hub cities, while the airports in Jinan, Qingdao, Yantai as well as Linyi will be built into airline hubs.

In the next five years, Shandong will promote the construction of a number of high-speed rail projects to increase high-speed rail coverage, as well as to provide the most safe and environmentally friendly transportation means for local residents.

New inter-city rail lines will also be added to boost regional integrated development. A one hour traffic circle in the Jiaodong area will be fostered.

Shandong will make full use of the geographical advantages of the Jiaodong Economic Circle and the function of Qingdao as an international comprehensive transportation hub. It will strengthen connections with Japan, South Korea, Europe, and Asia, as well as support the building of an important national shipping center and marine economy development demonstration zone in Qingdao.