The 23rd Qingdao International Beer Festival kicked off at the Century Square in Qingdao City on August 10, with the gate of Beer City opening its doors to the public at 9 a.m. Mayor of Qingdao Zhang Xinqi unsealed the first barrel of beer at the opening ceremony.

Themed “Cheers to the World” and “Enjoy a Colorful Beer Festival and a New Life,” the 16-day festival will offer carnivals, drinking competitions, trade exhibitions and so on, to fully promote the distinctive beer culture of Qingdao City.

Local citizens presented various performances during a parade following the opening ceremony. Colorfully festooned vehicles added splendor to the festival. At the same time, a tourism festival entitled “Hospitable Shandong Leisure Tours” was unveiled at the opening ceremony.