Qingdao International Beer Festival

Asia's Oktoberfest by the Sea

Every summer, the coastal city of Qingdao transforms into a paradise for beer lovers, hosting Asia's largest beer festival. For 24 days from July to August, millions of visitors gather in this seaside metropolis to enjoy over 2,200 varieties of beer from around the world. The Qingdao International Beer Festival, with its carnival-like atmosphere blending music, performances, and culinary delights, is an event that encapsulates the joy of summer and the spirit of international friendship.

Main Attractions

The Great Beer Tasting Feast

At the heart of the festival is its vast array of beers. Enormous tents dedicated to different breweries line the festival grounds. The air is filled with the hoppy aroma of freshly poured brews, from crisp lagers to rich stouts. Visitors can sample everything from the local favorite, Tsingtao Beer, to exotic craft beers from as far as Germany and Canada. The clinking of glasses and cheerful "Ganbei!" (cheers) create a constant background melody to the festivities.

Nightly Performances and Parades

As the sun sets, the festival grounds come alive with dazzling light shows and performances. Elaborately costumed dancers twirl to the rhythm of both traditional Chinese music and international pop hits. The highlight is the nightly beer parade, where floats sponsored by various breweries make their way through the crowds, accompanied by energetic performers and, of course, plenty of free-flowing beer. The parade is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors, creative designs, and the occasional foam party erupting from the floats.

Culinary Delights

No beer festival is complete without delicious food, and Qingdao doesn't disappoint. The air is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of grilled seafood, a local specialty. Food stalls offer everything from succulent barbecued squid and crispy fried clams to hearty German sausages and pretzels. For the adventurous, there are even beer-infused dishes like beer-battered fish and chips or beer ice cream, providing a unique twist on festival fare.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Qingdao International Beer Festival was first held in 1991 to celebrate the city's centennial anniversary. Qingdao, with its history as a German concession and home to the famous Tsingtao Brewery, has a deep-rooted beer culture that dates back to the early 20th century. The festival not only honors this heritage but also serves as a platform for cultural exchange and economic development.

For the people of Qingdao, the festival is a source of immense pride. It showcases their city to the world and celebrates their unique position as China's beer capital. The event has grown from a local celebration to an internationally recognized festival, attracting beer enthusiasts and tourists from across the globe. It's a time when the typically reserved locals let loose, embracing the festive spirit and sharing their passion for good beer and good times with visitors.

Participants Voices

I've been attending the beer festival since its early days, and it just gets better every year. For us locals, it's like a big family reunion. I love seeing how our little beer festival has grown into this huge international event. Last night, I shared a table with tourists from Australia and Japan. We couldn't speak each other's languages, but we all spoke the universal language of 'cheers'! It's moments like these that make me proud to be from Qingdao.

I discovered the Qingdao International Beer Festival while on a tour of German beer festivals and decided to participate on short notice. I was surprised by the delicacy of Tsingtao beer during a tasting at a local brewery, and the special brew using seaweed was particularly impressive. I felt that the brewers' passion for craft beer was no different from that of Germans. The toast in the giant beer tent reminded me of Oktoberfest, but when I watched the sunset while drinking Tsingtao beer on the beach, I felt the unique charm of this festival. As someone proud of German beer culture, the experience of discovering new ways to enjoy beer here was wonderful.

Fun Facts

The festival typically serves over 1,400 different types of beer from more than 40 countries.
In 2019, the festival attracted over 7.2 million visitors, consuming an estimated 1,200 tons of beer.
The festival's mascot is a cute, anthropomorphized beer mug named "Pijiu" (Chinese for beer).
Qingdao's famous Tsingtao Beer was originally founded by German settlers in 1903.
During the festival, even the local McDonald's offers beer on its menu!