By Xu Jing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-08-11 23:26

The young guys showed their slogan.

August is a time for drinking beer, and the 17th Qingdao International Beer Festival just opened its gate on August 11 in the beautiful coast city of Qingdao in Shandong Province. Tens of thousands people from China and abroad enjoyed the art performances, and drunk beer to the top of their bend.

The opening ceremony was held at the Beer Town in Qingdao, which is known for its German-style beer. It was held by the national relevant ministries and commissions and the People’s Government of Qingdao Municipality. It is one of the largest national festivals combined with tourism, culture, sports, economy and trade.

Though raining heavily the whole day, the celebration successfully carried through. More than 4000 people participated in the performances and the float parade, many of them were from Germany, UK, Japan, and Korea.

A little actress seriously drumed during the performance.

When Xia Geng, major of Qingdao, unsealed the very first barrel of beer as tradition, the whole audience cheered and applauded. The happy atmosphere culminated at the moment. Then, the Beer Goddess opened the Beer Gate of the Beer Town which meant the formally start of the 16-day long Festival.

According to the Qingdao government, the subject of the festival this year is ‘Qingdao Toasts with the world’. During the festival, there will be several float parades in different subject everyday, as well as a national beer drinking competition.

Moreover, many Chinese and overseas brewers will attend the festival, providing their brands to satisfy the taste of beer lovers. The whole city will be pervaded with the aroma of the beer.

Over the past 16 years, Qingdao International Beer Festival has developed into the biggest of this kind in China and a grand Oriental beer event with great international impact.