On tap: Qingdao's famous beer festival opens

A performer interacts with visitors at Golden Beach Beer City in Qingdao West Coast New Area, one of the six venues where the 28th Qingdao International Beer Festival is being held. [Photo by Meng Yuante/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The festival in Laoshan district also kicked off on Friday. A total of 35,000 visitors consumed 52 tons of beer on the first day. Laoshan district is a main venue and has participated in 25 sessions.

More than 300 types of beer from 15 countries are being offered at the Laoshan venue, which features decorated beer tents, a drinking competition, cultural exhibitions and other entertainment.

The venue in Pingdu started on Saturday and three other venues in Licang Expo Park, Chengyang and Jiaozhou will kick off in early August, creating a festive atmosphere in the city.

The first Qingdao International Beer Festival was held in 1991 and since then, the festival has become a major event for the coastal city and grown in its reputation around the world.

Five women raise their glasses in a toast in Laoshan district, one of the six venues where the 28th Qingdao International Beer Festival is being held. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]