As part of the 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival, the city is once again alive with summer revelry — where beer flows freely, and art takes center stage. During this monthlong celebration, beer not only draws crowds into the streets to party late into the night, but pairs seamlessly with diverse cultural performances, enriching the experience for both residents and visitors alike.

On July 22, the three-month-long 2025 Elegant Art Season was launched at the Dabaodao Cultural and Leisure Block. During the season, more than 60 high-quality performances will take place throughout Qingdao's old town, transforming historic neighborhoods into vibrant stages.

This event is hosted by the publicity department of the Qingdao committee of the Communist Party of China, the Shibei district government, and the Qingdao International Cruise Terminal Area service administration, and co-organized by the publicity department of the CPC Qingdao Shibei district committee, Qingdao Performing Arts Group, and Qingdao Rim Group.

Zhang Lequn, deputy manager of Qingdao Performing Arts Group, said: "This is an in-depth dialogue between art and the old city. With more than 60 public-benefit performances, we hope that citizens of all ages will find their own art enjoyment in the historic old town."

Art performances like the new folk music piece Rigorous Splendor, the multi-player talk show I Am a Qingdao Native, the dance incorporating global elements The Style of Five Continents, the classic drama Thunderstorm, and the Peking opera piece The Drunken Concubine reimagined with beer-inspired elements have already become an important part of this year's beer festival.

An American who has lived in China for many years said: "It's just sort of like a really big street festival. I've always recommended going to Qingdao for beer culture."

As residents and tourists hold their pints and stroll through the historical district, passing places such as Licun Road and Yizhou Road in Shibei district, and Sanxingli and Jiangning Guild Hall in Shinan district, they can enjoy these performances up close and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

When elegant performing arts meet historic old towns, it's not just individuals who benefit — it's the entire city. However, this is only the beginning. In the future, Qingdao will continue to explore the integration of historic urban areas and culture. People's identities will also shift from being audience members to participants. This makes art a truly perceptible and participatory treasure for urban life and inspires new vitality in the old town.