Located along the coast, Qingdao's Shinan district relies for its development on the major advantage of its maritime resources. In consideration of the city's ocean development strategy, Shinan district has sped up moves to form a modern marine industrial system by developing marine science and technology, shipping logistics and coastal tourism industries. 

The national germplasm bank for marine fishery lives is under construction in the district. At a cost of 160 million yuan ($23.26 million), the bank is the biggest of its kind in China. As the district’s major project in the marine economy, it is expected to drive Shinan to develop in a high-quality way.

Shinan is home to 56 percent of the city's marine research institutions and 81 percent of the country’s marine academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering. Eight projects have been included on the city’s major project list for its development as an internationally known ocean district.

Coastal tourism also is a major driver for the district's marine economy. Visitors to the city can take boat trip to see a different view of Qingdao. By taking the Lanhai Zhenzhu cruise, tourists can enjoy night views of the ocean and the coast.

The district plans to establish platforms to promote industrial aggregation and upgrading and the development of general trading. Shinan has made plans to achieve an annual 15 percent increase in gross ocean production (GOP). GOP is also expected to exceed 60 billion yuan by 2022.