Suds of summer

If you think of Harbin only as a destination for its famous ice and snow festival, think again. The ongoing beer carnival brings out the fun in a city that appreciates the sun, Tian Xuefei and Zhou Huiying report.

The rising temperatures and agreeable weather of summer in Harbin attract tourists from all over the world to celebrate its International Beer Festival for about two weeks, through July 17.

There are 11 beer halls with different themes located in Harbin Ice and Snow World Park - an area of over 600,000 square meters. The largest one covers an area of 5,600 square meters. With that kind of space, even though more than 15,000 visitors poured through for a pour on the first day, you didn't feel the crowds. There are enough seats in each beer hall for those who want to have their dinner here.