In the twinkling backdrop of fireworks and cascading lights, the coastal city of Qingdao in eastern China's Shandong Province threw open its arms to the 33rd Qingdao International Beer Festival on a radiant Friday (July 16) evening.

The festival's steering committee revealed that attendees would have the opportunity to taste their way through a diverse selection of more than 2,000 beers, sourced from over 40 countries and regions across the globe.

Among the festival-goers was Michael Bhatti, an Australian student at the China University of Petroleum, who shared his enthusiasm, "The vibrant atmosphere, the people, the wide range of beers to taste, and the lively activities - it's a fantastic mix."

Similarly, Hoi Ka Kit of the Super Bock Group from Portugal shared their pride in participating in this grand event alongside local and international brands. "The Qingdao International Beer Festival is renowned as one of the leading beer festivals worldwide, and we're eager to engage more consumers through this platform," he conveyed in Chinese.

The city of Qingdao is famed for being the cradle of the Tsingtao Brewery, a beer brand steeped in tradition in China. Initiated in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has blossomed over the years, earning itself a prominent place on the global map as one of the most celebrated beer festivals.

STORY: 33rd Qingdao Int'l Beer Festival showcases over 2,000 beers
DATELINE: July 16, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:06
LOCATION: JINAN, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the festival
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MICHAEL BHATTI, Australian student of China University of Petroleum (East China)
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HOI KA KIT, Super Bock Group from Portugal

STORYLINE:

With fireworks and light shows illuminating the sky, the 33rd Qingdao International Beer Festival kicked off Friday evening in the coastal city of Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

According to the organizers, more than 2,000 beers from over 40 countries and regions are available to the attendees at the festival.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): MICHAEL BHATTI, Australian student of China University of Petroleum (East China)
"I like the vibe, like the people, I like to taste different kinds of beers and the activities they arrange, of course."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HOI KA KIT, Super Bock Group from Portugal
"Super Bock Group is proud to participate in this grand event with many local brands, as well as international brands. The Qingdao International Beer Festival is recognized as one of the top beer festivals in the world, and we hope to attract more consumers through this opportunity."

Qingdao is home to the Tsingtao Brewery, the base of a time-honored beer brand in China. Inaugurated in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has grown into one of the world's most famous beer festivals.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jinan, China.
(XHTV)