A new business area along a major subway line consisting of shopping malls and entertainment facilities is beginning to take shape in the Licang district of Qingdao, Shandong province.

The city's major transit stops, such as the Licun subway station and the Qingdao North Railway Station on the M3 line, run through the business area. The northern end of the M3 line with its terminus at the Qingdao North Railway Station will be put into operation by the end of this year. The entire line will go into operation by the end of 2016.

The business area project includes underground shop ping areas at four major stops along the M3 line; a "tea culture city" featuring boutique shops, a museum and food street; and several shopping complexes above ground.

"Qingdao North Railway Station is a comprehensive transport hub offering subway, train and bus services. There is huge business potential in it and we are trying to find more business opportunities in the transportation sector," said Pei.

Pei said the project around the railway station covers more than 100,000 square meters with developed public and commercial facilities.

"It will be a brand new business hub growing from the railway station," said Pei.

It is estimated that the Qingdao North Railway Station handles an average of 50,000 passengers every day and more than 300,000 people come to the station every day, according to official data.

The Tiandu Tea Culture City, located at the Junfeng Road subway station and only a 10-minute drive from the railway station, will also open at the end of this year.

Guo Li, deputy manager of the tea culture city, said they want to develop the business complex into a tourism spot and a place to experience tea culture. Official data show that there are more than 2,000 tea merchants from South China in Qingdao, making the city a major tea market in North China.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn