As night falls over Qingdao's old town area, the glow of a giant naked-eye 3D screen lights up the Zhongshan Road historic block, a first-time venue for the 35th Qingdao International Beer Festival. Visitors wander through bustling streets, tasting a variety of beers, enjoying photo-worthy cultural scenes, and joining interactive games. With daily visitors nearing 340,000, "having a beer in the old town area" has become a signature summer experience.

The festival marks an end to years of renewal in Shinan district. Since 2018, work to preserve its East-meets-West architecture, now on China's World Heritage Tentative List, has combined "repair as original" restorations with upgrades to streets, utilities, and public spaces, improving both cultural appeal and daily life.

Blending old courtyards with new economy, and cultural scenes with fresh experiences, Shinan has created themed streets like sweet-themed Qufu Road, trendy Yinyu Lane, and the culinary hub of Pichai Yard. Seasonal markets, live performances, and cultural pop-ups keep the area vibrant well beyond the festival season.

For local artist Song Wenjing, the old town area is no longer "a display behind glass", but a place to slow down, sip a beer, and feel the warmth of history. Even after the festival ends, music, pleasant aromas, and laughter will continue to fill its streets, marking its transformation from a one-off event venue to a lively year-round destination.