Container gateway · China
Port of Qingdao
Qingdao is a container gateway on the Yellow Sea in China (East Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- China
- UN/LOCODE
- CNTAO
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- East Asia
- Waters
- Yellow Sea
- Coordinates
- 36.02°N, 120.20°E
- Container throughput
- ≈ 28.8 million TEU (2023)
- Local name
- 青岛港
About the port of Qingdao
Qingdao in Shandong province is northern China’s leading container port and operates one of Asia’s first fully automated container terminals. It serves Shandong’s industry and inland China by rail.
Qingdao is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
According to port authority reports and widely published rankings, Qingdao handled approximately 28.8 million TEU in 2023.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
We have not published a sample voyage to Qingdao yet. Typical options from Vietnam are direct regional services or transshipment via a major hub; ask us for current schedules.
Shipping lines
Carriers often associated with services through Qingdao that are relevant to Vietnam (indicative only — networks change every season):
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For China, manifest data must be transmitted to customs in advance of loading, so accurate consignee and cargo details are needed early.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with China that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: RCEP, ACFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Qingdao
Where is the port of Qingdao?
Qingdao is in China, on the Yellow Sea, in the East Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Qingdao?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Qingdao is CNTAO. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Qingdao?
It depends on the routing and whether the service is direct or via transshipment. Contact us for current schedules from Hai Phong, Cat Lai or Cai Mep.
How big is the port of Qingdao?
According to published rankings, Qingdao handled approximately 28.8 million TEU in 2023.
What documents are needed to ship via Qingdao?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Qingdao?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Qingdao through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.