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From "Sea-Gazing" to "Seaside Stays": Shandong's Marine Culture and Tourism Sector Seeks the Key to Retaining Visitors

Source：Haibao News 09-10-2026 10:00:00

Leveraging its coastal resources, Rizhao is promoting the transformation of marine culture and tourism into immersive, lifestyle-oriented vacations, with a number of distinctive projects being launched to revitalize the sector. A former fish hatchery has been transformed into the Shanhai Lanwan Cultural Tourism Complex, which preserves the original architectural character while incorporating new business formats such as cafes, markets, and guest rooms. The Yunguo Shanqiu Tea and Tourism Zone has repurposed decommissioned wooden-hulled fishing boats into homestays, blending local tea culture with fishing culture. It has established a Museum of Fishing History and offers experiential activities such as tea-picking and marine education programs to encourage tourists to stay for extended periods.

Leveraging its forests, coastline, and beaches, the Rizhao Seaside National Forest Park has employed VR and MR digital technologies to create new attractions such as immersive performances and night tours, enriching the overall visitor experience. Currently, more than ten coastal projects have been put into use in the area, and more than 300 boutique homestays have been upgraded. Building on the development of the Shandong Peninsula as a prime marine tourism destination, Shandong's marine culture and tourism sector is shifting from single-format sightseeing to the integrated development of multiple business models, with a focus on transforming visitors' experience from simply "coming to see the sea" to enjoying leisurely beach vacations and immersive experience.