STORY: Beer economy in China's Qingdao captivates foreign visitors
SHOOTING TIME: July 20, 2024
DATELINE: July 22, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:32
LOCATION: QINGDAO, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the 34th Qingdao International Beer Festival
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GANG HOAN JEONG, President of the Asian Branch of the International Festivals and Events Association
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RITA MARIA ROIDER, Director of the China Office of the Department of Labor and Economic Development of Munich
4. various of the 34th Qingdao International Beer Festival

STORYLINE:

The 34th Qingdao International Beer Festival has kicked off in the eastern Chinese coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong Province.

The festival boasts over 2,200 beers, crafted both locally and from around the globe. Breweries from 11 countries will showcase 93 unique beer varieties, providing visitors with exciting tasting experiences, according to the organizer.
   
In addition, more than 2,000 activities, ranging from live music performances to art shows and sports events, are set to take place throughout the 24-day celebration.

At a sideline meeting to share the experience of festival organization, participants underlined the beer festival's role in stimulating the economy and promoting exchanges.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GANG HOAN JEONG, President of the Asian Branch of the International Festivals and Events Association
"It is good for not just selling beers. Exchanging beer culture is very important. Through the beer, Qingdao communicates with the other countries, other cities with a beer culture, not just beer."

Rita Maria Roider, a representative from the German city of Munich, said Munich and Qingdao have become closer due to their shared love of beer, and she was impressed by the openness showcased during the beer festival in Qingdao. 

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): RITA MARIA ROIDER, Director of the China Office of the Department of Labor and Economic Development of Munich
"It has taken an astonishing development. It's very great. It's very international, very open-minded. I think you have a huge potential for new kind of, new forms of festivals, of conventions, of trade, fair shows. Yes, it has a huge potential."

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

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