2009 Qingdao International Marine Festival will kick off on 9th August in Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. The 20-day festival will include four types of activities: an "marine forum," marine sports, naval activity and marine culture travel, as well as a boat show and bar and beach festivals.

August 10th—12th: 2009 China Qingdao Blue Economic Development Summit Forum with the theme, "Blue Economy Leads the Future". The forum will be presided by Mr. Long Yongtu, famous Chinese economist and Secretary-General of Boao Asian Forum, and will focus on topics such as strategic and high-tech development of the ocean, ocean management and policies, ocean energy exploitation and resource utilization, and biological and environmental protection.

August 15th: The "Zhongneng Cup" Sampan Competition. Local universities and naval academies will take part in a boating competition.

August 20th—25th: The "Lushang Cup" Sailing Championship, which will invite up to ten teams from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Russia, Belgium, and other countries to participate.

August 25th: The inaugural "Mayor Cup" Dalian-Qingdao Shengli Company Ltd. Sailing Rally Championship, will begin in Dalian and finish in Qingdao three days later.

August 11th—27th: A series of public activities such as Fishing and Swimming Competitions will be held.

August 21st—23rd: Asian-Pacific Travel Expo, will exhibit Asian countries’ travel resources, natural sceneries, traditions, customs and folklores.

August 28th: The "Sailing City Beauty Championship" will invite ladies from across China to display their beauty, youth, and fashion.

The Bar and Beer Festivals will run through the entire Marine Festival. During the Marine Festival, a Seafood Cooking Competition will also be held.

By Li Jing