At the 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival, having a pint of cold beer no longer simply takes place at pubs or bistros. New and creative venues like beer exchanges and beer buses are drawing tourists to the festival, offering them a chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the festival economy.

A large 360-degree LED screen is drawing a long queue of tourists in the north square of the Phoenix Sound Theater at Golden Beach Beer City in Qingdao's West Coast New Area. Visitors closely watch the screen, where the prices of various beers fluctuate like stocks on a trading exchange. Below the screen are more than 30 taps, each corresponding to a beer identified by a unique code also shown on the display.

After receiving a free cup, tourists can choose their preferred beer. A small screen above each tap displays the price and other details. Once they scan the QR code to pay, the golden beer flows into their glasses.

What really appeals to tourists is that beer prices literally fluctuate in real time based on the volume of purchases — just like stocks on the market. According to the organizers, the system updates every five minutes. As a particular beer becomes more popular, its price rises. When a keg is nearly empty, a "delisting warning" is triggered and the price climbs to its maximum level. Conversely, if a beer goes unnoticed for an extended period, its price drops accordingly.

In addition to standing at the Qingdao Beer Exchange and enjoying a drink, tourists at the festival can also relax in a moving vehicle while sipping their lager or ale.

During the festival, the Beer Bus — the first bus line in Shandong province to combine beer culture, sightseeing, music, pop-up events, and other immersive experiences — is officially in operation.

The Beer Bus not only serves high-quality draft beer, but features live performances by professional singers and DJs. During peak hours, it can be difficult to find a seat. With different routes by day and night, tourists can enjoy both beer and music while taking in the scenic views of the West Coast New Area.

A tourist from Russia said: "I think this is a very good way to attract tourists, not only from inside China, but also internationally. The beer festival is definitely at an international level."