Qingdao WCNA prepares for 30-day summer beer carnival

The 36th Qingdao International Beer Festival is set to launch on July 17 at Golden Beach Beer City in Qingdao West Coast New Area (Qingdao WCNA). Running for 30 days until Aug 15, the festival transforms the venue into a sprawling immersive hub divided into seven distinct zones, including the vibrant Starlight Avenue, specialized beer tent clusters, and an expansive central performance stage.

The festival features an impressive array of attractions across seven key thematic pillars. Visitors can enjoy over 2,300 types of beer from global and local brands, paired with a curated selection of gourmet food ranging from heritage delicacies to international snacks. Cultural enthusiasts can engage in signature events such as the King of Beer competition and the Beer Goddess competition, which this year includes expanded online and inter-city qualifiers.

Entertainment reaches new heights with 1,500-drone light shows, high-altitude fireworks, and 12 high-energy sports events, including robot-themed exhibitions. Furthermore, the festival fosters international collaboration, hosting representatives from global beer organizations and the prestigious 2026 Golden Flower Award for Craft Beer, which features 2,342 entries.

By integrating "beer+" cross-industry experiences — such as film, sports, and music — the festival creates a multi-layered vacation ecosystem. With its commitment to high-quality service and immersive cultural scenes, the event invites domestic and international guests to toast to a refreshing summer in Qingdao WCNA.

A conceptual rendering of the beer pavilion, designed to be the vibrant heart of the upcoming festivities. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Bathed in a warm evening glow, the festival mascot stands as a beacon of welcome, marking the countdown to the grand opening. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The souvenir shop at the Qingdao International Beer Festival stands ready, awaiting the arrival of visitors from across the globe. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]