Free Wi-Fi kicks off 'smart district' plans

Excited about her first trip to Qingdao, Li Mei, 27, an office worker from South China, took a photo with her boyfriend at Zhanqiao pier, one of city's iconic landmarks in Shinan district.

She sent the snap to her friends and family using one of the district's eight free wireless services, which millions of visitors have taken advantage of.

The Wi-Fi service, which is part of Shinan's "smart district" plan, covers tourist hotspots along the coast including the May Fourth Square, the Train Station, Zhanqiao Pier, Bathing Beaches, Huashilou Building and the Olympic Square.