Guests drink up at Qingdao's German Wine Festival

Fritz Emrich, founder of the festival, said he had thought the event would be canceled because of the nationwide lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic six months ago.

Thanks to the effective prevention and control measures and the Chinese people's patience, China has become the safest country in the world, said Emrich, who has lived in China for 30 years.

He attributed the successful opening to support from the Qingdao Sino-German Business Club.

Part of a local government effort, the club was unveiled in November. It aims to provide a new platform to enhance economic and cultural exchanges between two countries.

"As the pandemic is affecting world economy and many businesses are struggling, the Qingdao Sino-German Business Club has really given the event's organization a big hand," Emrich said.