Shangjieli, one of the historical blocks in Shibei district, Qingdao, is now a hub of creative culture, fashion and art. [Photo by Cui Dongni/For China Daily]

Shibei district in Qingdao, Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to promote the protection and revitalization of its historical blocks as a key part of the city's construction movement, China Daily reported.

Since 2019, the local government has restored and upgraded six historical and cultural blocks spanning a total area of 102,000 square meters in Guangxingli, the district's deputy chief Zhang Lei said at a news conference on April 27.

The rest of the 150,000-square-meter restoration work will be completed by 2024, which will offer ample space for new business formats and younger generations, Zhang added.

While pushing forward the protection work, Shibei district also attached great importance to bringing in industries.

To date, more than 30 key projects have settled in the historical blocks, including four cultural experience projects, 11 creative retail outlets, five characteristic catering businesses, four industrial centers, and two entertainment projects.

In addition, the Shibei government released supporting policies at the conference to boost the culture and tourism industry in Dabaodao, the oldest commercial center in Qingdao.

The incentives include decoration subsidiaries ranging from 200 yuan ($30.36) to 500 yuan per square meter for retail stores, restaurants, performing venues, bookstores, museums and film companies, as well as 50,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan awards for each guest room in chain economical hotels.