This year's Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit will open this weekend in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao, and local organisers are using the rather unique opportunity to promote the city's capabilities on the international stage. YANG ZHAO explains what we can expect over the coming few days.

In just four days, much of the world's attention will turn towards the Chinese port city of Qingdao for the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

Last minute preparations are now being made, 22 thousand volunteers have been brought in to help out. One in ten of those are from local universities, and they are assigned various tasks depending on their capabilities, from translation and catering to reception and guidance. But still, they are not the only volunteers. Two weeks ago, Yu Bingshang, along with a group of friends, took an eight-hour train to Qingdao, he also wanted to get involved in the international gathering in his own way.

YU BINGSHANG VOLUNTEER "Every day, we work voluntarily for 12 hours to clean up trash in the gardens. We hope our good deeds can improve China's image globally through the SCO summit."

Meanwhile, crowds have been flocking to see the remarkable flower arrangements in the city's landmark May 4th square. And as Qingdao turns ever more colorful, the local residents are seeing the real potential of their city.

ZHAO MINGYING RESIDENT, QINGDAO "It's a great honor for us that the summit is being held in our hometown. We are so pleased to see the changes in Qingdao every day. I wish the summit a great success."

The port city also welcomed the SCO guests with special 3D lights show by the sea, illuminating the city's skyscrapers.

PADMA ASHOK INDIAN TOURIST "Qingdao will be better known by other countries. I think it will be more like a tourist spot after the summit."

In 2008, Qingdao hosted sailing events for the Beijing Olympics. A decade later, the city is set to make another big splash on the international stage. CGTN.