Sailing city further opens up to connect the world

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While the Chinese coastal city of Qingdao is well known to beer drinkers, it's also home to the popular recreational activity of sailing, which attracts families and fans of water sports.

"Sailing has achieved great growth here. 40 years of reform and opening-up have served as a major catalyst in developing the sport," said Zhang Min, deputy director of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center.

But it wasn't until the 2008 Summer Olympics Games in Beijing that sailing really took off in Qingdao, which served as the games' sailing venue.

"We've attracted many sailing enthusiasts, athletes, and schools from all over the world, who, in turn, benefited Qingdao," said Zhang.

A general view of the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, October 14, 2018. /VCG Photo

Of the 150-plus annual sailing events on the Chinese mainland, Qingdao accounts for almost a fifth, almost half of which are international in scope.

As citywide sailing activities develop, the sport brings with it more business opportunities.

John Hearne opened a sail factory here with his partner 10 years ago.

When asked about his thoughts on Qingdao's opening-up, the Australian sailor told CGTN that he thinks highly of the policy.

"I think it's all very good. Once opened up, you got to have some foreign investment come in here." Hearne added, "We're only a tiny business compared to some of the Chinese companies here, but it's giving us an opportunity to grow our business."

The Qingdao Mazarin Cup powered by Extreme Sailing Series begins its competition in Qingdao, Shandong province, October 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Like many Australians, Hearne started sailing when he was young. He had his first Optimist, a beginner's boat, at 7 years old. However, sailing is less familiar to most Chinese like Bob Sun.

"I had never seen a sail until I took this job 10 years ago. Then my bosses signed me up for a sailing class, sort of helping me get a better understanding of the products we make here," said Sun, "Then I realized how much I enjoy the sport."

Opening-up has given the 29-year-old an opportunity to sail the ocean and see the world.

From a wider perspective, sailing has become a platform for Qingdao to communicate with the world.

"Sailing allows the city to go beyond the borders and exchange its culture and traditions with the world," said Zhang.

(Top Photo: Sailing boats at sea for the Qingdao Mazarin Cup powered by Extreme Sailing Series in Qingdao, Shandong province, October 3, 2018. /VCG Photo)