The 34th Qingdao International Beer Festival has boosted the vibrancy and prosperity of Qingdao, Shandong province, serving as a sustainable driver of socioeconomic development by seamlessly combining beer and tourism.

The 34th Qingdao International Beer Festival kicks off on July 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Golden Beach Beer City features nine beer tents, with over 2,200 varieties of beer from around the world. This year, hundreds of artists from more than 10 countries including Russia, Italy, and Brazil, have been invited to give diverse and international performances.

In addition to the various beer flavors, attendees can enjoy ice cream and bread made with beer and yeast.

A foreign artist provides his performance to the audience. [Photo/WeChat account: QD-JSTPJC]

"In the 1980s, we sent technicians to Germany for further education,  and they witnessed the splendor of the Munich Oktoberfest," said the former labor union chairman of Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd.

The first edition began on June 23, 1991, attracting over 300,000 participants who enjoyed beer-drinking competitions, fashion shows, and parades.

"After a few editions, the beer festival became more than just a complement to summer tourism; it facilitated economic growth and the opening up of Qingdao," revealed the festival's chief counselor.

Dazzling performances at this year's beer festival attract numerous tourists, which boosts the local economy significantly. [Photo/WeChat account: QD-JSTPJC]

"The Qingdao International Beer Festival has evolved into a public-centered event, that promotes innovation while highlighting Qingdao's history, culture, city brand, and potential. It provides a new impetus to Qingdao's development by introducing new industries and consumption patterns," said Zhu Junhai, president of Tsingtao Brewery Culture Communication Co, a subsidiary of Tsingtao Brewery.