Shinan district, located along the southern coast of Qingdao, is a hub for tourism, culture, science and technology, finance and trade. The district spans 30.01 square kilometers and has a permanent population of 488,500.

As the oldest urban area in Qingdao, Shinan district, though the smallest in size, has the highest per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the city. In 2022, the district's GDP reached almost 150 billion yuan ($20.71 billion), an increase of 9.58 billion yuan compared to that of 2021. This translates to a nominal growth rate of 6.8 percent, which is 1.3 percent higher than the city's average growth rate.

In the first half of 2023, the district had a GDP of 77.13 billion yuan, an increase of 5.6 percent year-on-year. Fixed asset investment in the region grew by 8.2 percent, and the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 32.42 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.2 percent.

Shinan district, one of the first urban areas in Qingdao to develop the building economy, has always prioritized strengthening its headquarters and building economies due to its prime location.

The shipping trade finance headquarters center in Shinan will be developed into a high-end industrial park that integrates various industries such as finance, shipping trade, modern services and fashion.

The upgraded Qingdao Software Park and Animation and Game Industrial Park will be developed into innovation parks for the digital economy and metaverse industry.

Shinan is also the host venue for well-known events such as the Qingdao International Fashion Week, the International Ocean Festival and the Qingdao International Violin Festival.