Monthlong beer-themed event features performances, distinctive venues, creative showcases, and vibrant cross-border ties

Summer revelry once again returns to Qingdao, Shandong province, as the 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival kicked off a monthlong celebration of beer, culture and international exchange.

Officially launched on the evening of July 18 at the Golden Beach Beer City — recognized as one of the world's largest beer-themed venues — the festival takes place across three major locations: the city's West Coast New Area, Laoshan district and its historic old town, and other districts also joining with special beer-themed activities. It will end on Aug 16.

This festival brings in more than 2,300 kinds of beer involving 400-plus brands from more than 40 countries and regions. It also plans to launch exclusive beers to enhance the event's uniqueness, commemorative value and brand recognition.

During the festival, flagship activities such as the "Golden Flower Award" craft beer competition, a beer king contest, "beer fun goddess" auditions and a fashion sports festival were organized. It has invited well-known domestic and international art groups and bands and launched nearly 2,000 exciting performances including street shows, art parades, magic shows, smart robot parades and traditional Chinese performances.

Golden Beach Beer City, which is located in Qingdao West Coast New Area, features nine beer-themed tents involving Tsingtao 1903 and Heineken and as well beach bars, beer huts and craft beer workshops. The site also hosts 20 high-standard domestic and international performances, electronic music nights, folk concerts and cosplay activities.

The festival's Laoshan venue features creative activities, performances, food courts and cultural exhibitions. It is collaborating with the Qingdao Municipal Museum to hold the "museum wonder night "activities on weekends, where visitors can have immersive experiences in script-based games, hands-on tasks and cultural interactions.

In the Qingdao old town venue, festivities are divided between the Shangjieli and Dabaodao areas. Shangjieli provides eight zones and organizes local-style courtyard banquets, offering diverse cultural experiences; Dabaodao is set to host more than 350 performances and themed activities such as retro bus-related flash mobs, aiming to create a memorable and immersive festival atmosphere.

International exchange activities, such as the Qingdao International Friendship Cities Exchange Month and the International Beer Festivals Alliance Cooperative Mechanism 2025 Qingdao Meeting, are held along with this year's beer festival. These help further elevate the Qingdao International Beer Festival into a truly global event.