Exploring Qingdao & Yantai — Where Culture Meets Opportunity

In our continued journey to build deeper partnerships and global talent networks, we recently had the opportunity to visit two incredible cities along China’s eastern coast: Qingdao and Yantai. More than just destinations on the map, these cities gave us insights into the future of work, community, and collaboration.

🇨🇳 Qingdao: A Blend of Heritage and Modern Industry

Our first stop was Qingdao, a city that impresses you from the moment you arrive. Known for its beautiful coastline and deep German influence, Qingdao is a city where history and innovation go hand-in-hand.

We started our visit at the famous Qingdao Beer Museum, where we learned about the city's iconic Tsingtao Beer and how global trade has shaped its industry over the years. Beyond the bubbles, Qingdao is home to advanced manufacturing, marine technology, and a growing pool of highly skilled professionals.

One of the architectural highlights was the striking May Fourth Square and the famous “Wind of May” sculpture, symbolizing youth and progress. As we walked along the seaside promenade, it became clear that Qingdao isn’t just a business hub—it’s a city full of life, energy, and promise.

🏞️ Yantai: Nature, Knowledge, and New Horizons

Just a few hours north, we arrived in Yantai, a city equally rich in charm but with a personality all its own.

What stood out immediately was the peaceful seafront—long stretches of coastline perfect for quiet reflection and fresh sea breeze. We visited a local university campus, where we saw firsthand the focus on education, innovation, and the next generation of talent.

Yantai is also known for its wine industry, port logistics, and growing involvement in cross-border trade. But beyond business, there’s something calm and grounding about the city that makes you want to slow down, take it in, and think deeper about the kind of impact you want to make.

🤝 From City Streets to Strategic Conversations

While sightseeing was part of the journey, the heart of our visit was connection. We spent time with local partners, sharing ideas, aligning values, and learning from their experience. These weren’t just meetings—they were moments of mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and a shared vision for what global collaboration in talent mobility could look like.

Whether we were sitting across a meeting table or sharing a meal with a view of the sea, we felt one thing strongly: the future of work is human, borderless, and rooted in relationships.

🚀 What It Means for Hey Rocket

At Hey Rocket, we don’t just build recruitment pipelines—we build bridges between people and possibilities. Qingdao and Yantai reminded us that talent is everywhere, and that great partnerships come from being on the ground, listening, and understanding the rhythm of each city.

As we continue growing across Malaysia, Singapore, and China, we carry with us the spirit of these two cities—grounded, forward-looking, and full of heart.