Citywide events to create party atmosphere for more than a month

The 33rd Qingdao International Beer Festival kicked off on July 14 in Qingdao city of Shandong province and will last until mid-August. It serves as a grand gala for brewers, tourists and consumers, offering more than 2,000 varieties of beer from more than 40 countries and regions around the world.

An annual summer carnival, this year's event features about 300 music and sports activities themed with beer, including the country's first beer-themed immersive show performed by nearly 100 artists from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, such as Russia, Uzbekistan, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil.

The show was a highlight of the opening ceremony that combined sound, light, fire and shadows with music, dance and acrobatics.

The 33rd Qingdao International Beer Festival serves as a grand gala for brewers, tourists and consumers. CHINA DAILY

To highlight internationalization, this year's festival will hold the 2023 Qingdao Meeting of the International Beer Festivals Alliance Cooperative Mechanism and release the Qingdao Consensus of the International Beer Festival Alliance 2023. It will also issue the Qingdao, China — Beer Industry Development Report in cooperation with the China Alcoholic Drinks Association to promote industrial collaboration and win-win outcomes.

This year's festival is being conducted in two venues — one at Golden Beach Beer City in the Qingdao West Coast New Area from July 14 to Aug 6 and the other in Laoshan district from July 21 to Aug 20. Six districts including Shinan and Shibei will hold special beer festival activities to meet the diverse needs of residents and tourists and provide convenience.

The Qingdao West Coast New Area is focusing on the theme of openness and continues to enhance its image as an international beer destination. It will hold colorful consumer-themed activities in scenic spots, commercial areas and streets and alleys; set up special sessions for high-level talents, the marine industry and enterprises; and set up an exhibition of featured agricultural products for cooperation between the East and the West to promote regional economic and trade exchanges.

Visitors toast at the 33rd Qingdao International Beer Festival. CHINA DAILY

Laoshan follows the spatial layout of "one core, two cities", and the wider region to integrate the festival with cultural tourism, sports, commerce, technology, finance and other industries. It will also organize an array of activities such as an opening ceremony, art parades, beer tastings, international trade, popular catering, light shows, an esports night carnival and dance competitions that drive accommodation and consumption.

Shinan is highlighting Shangjieli Beer Festival-themed activities. Shibei launched the unveiling ceremony of the Qingdao Beer Street and the Dabaodao Cultural Beer Festival. Licang is holding a beer carnival at the Qingdao International Horticultural Exposition Park and the 1903 Qingdao Beer Carnival in Licun business district. Chengyang is holding the Yangmaogou Flower Sea Wetland Beer Festival. Meanwhile, Jimo is creating a festive atmosphere integrating the city and the festival in the Jimo ancient city. Laixi plans a gala covering lobster, beer and music carnival.

Established in 1991, the beer festival, after 32 years of development and cultivation, has become a symbol of Qingdao, a business card of the city, and a window for the world to understand Qingdao and experience beer culture.

This year's festival also marks the 120th anniversary of renowned Tsingtao Brewery. The Qingdao-based brewery established two huge beer tents, covering respectively 3,000 square meters and 1,500 sq m, offering beer, food, and fine views.