Qingdao International Beer City (青岛国际啤酒城), known as the largest international beer metropolis in Asia, hosts the annual Qingdao International Beer Festival. The beer city is divided into two main functional areas: the southern entertainment zone and the northern comprehensive zone. The southern section features a large amusement park called Universal World.
Today, the beer city combines festivals, leisure, shopping, and business activities, with the beer festival as its core attraction. It integrates modern financial services and commercial leisure activities, including a festival center focused on public celebrations, large shopping centers, a business district, supporting facilities, and a hotel resort area.
Travel Information about Qingdao International Beer City
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket prices: Daytime: ¥10 (before 15:00); Evening: ¥20 (after 15:00).
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Qingdao International Beer City is during the Qingdao International Beer Festival, held annually starting on the second weekend of August and lasting for 16 days. The event features a wide range of exciting activities, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
How to Get There
Location: Intersection of East Hong Kong Road and Haier Road, Laoshan District, Qingdao.
Public transport: Take bus lines 201, 301, 304, 312, or 313 and get off at the Beer City Station. During the Beer Festival, special shuttle buses are also available.
Scenic Ratings
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Unique: ★★★★
- Romantic: ★★★
- Cultural: ★★
- Beauty: ★
- Thrill: ★
Highlights of Qingdao International Beer City
Grand Sculpture
The sculpture titled “Overflowing Across the Globe” is a prominent landmark at the southern entrance of Qingdao International Beer City. It features a large beer goblet towering over a circular fountain, with foam spilling over to form a world map. The Qingdao Beer logo sits atop the foam, symbolizing the global reputation of Qingdao Beer.
Behind the fountain stands a crescent-shaped white granite wall with the golden Chinese characters for “International Beer City.” As night falls, the fountain comes alive with colorful lights, synchronized water jets, and music, creating a vibrant and dazzling scene.
Ten-Thousand-People Square
Behind the “Overflowing Across the Globe” sculpture is the fan-shaped Ten-Thousand-People Square, where the grand opening ceremony of the Qingdao International Beer Festival takes place. On the southern side of the square lies the Beer Palace area, where beer manufacturers set up temporary pavilions during the festival. Visitors can sample famous beers from around the world while enjoying performances by entertainers brought by the various breweries.
In the Qingdao Beer Palace, visitors can taste the freshest beer straight from the production line and even witness the entire beer-making process through a miniature brewing production line.
Universal World
Universal World is a European-themed amusement park filled with the latest and most thrilling rides in China. It features a variety of attractions such as roller coasters, river rafting, pirate ships, racing cars, carousels, and a giant Ferris wheel. The highlight of the park is the bi-directional shuttle roller coaster, which is said to be the only roller coaster in China that can be ridden in reverse, offering a unique and exhilarating experience.
Visitor Guide for Qingdao International Beer City
Things to Do
During the Qingdao International Beer Festival, the popular “Beer King” competition attracts daring beer enthusiasts, including international contestants, to compete in beer-drinking challenges.
The festival also features vibrant art parades, with eye-catching floats, authentic Chinese kung fu performances, hilarious acrobatic clowns, and amazing traditional folk acts. Each year, international art groups also participate, adding an extra layer of fun and excitement to the festival.
In addition to Universal World’s classic attractions like roller coasters and pirate ships, new rides are introduced during the annual carnival, offering fresh and thrilling experiences.
The beer city is equipped with advanced entertainment facilities, including the city’s top-tier sound systems, the largest dance hall, and regular performances by both domestic and international music and dance stars.
Food Options
During the annual Qingdao International Beer Festival, local BBQ, especially seafood, becomes extremely popular. Famous spots like Wang Jie BBQ (王姐烧烤), Taishan Road BBQ (泰山路烧烤), Zhangzhou Road’s Spicy Grilled Squid (漳州路香辣烤鱿鱼), and Lao Qingdao BBQ (老青岛烧烤) are in high demand. Additionally, food vendors from other regions also bring a variety of snacks to the festival, offering visitors a diverse and satisfying culinary experience.
Accommodation Recommendation
Qingdao Nonghaiyuan Seaview Hotel (青岛弄海园海景酒店) is located about 0.7 kilometers from the Beer City and is a four-star hotel. It features a unique private beach with complete facilities, as well as cozy and elegant dining options, including Lavista Bar, Monte Carlo Hall, Riviera Hall, and a music hall, all offering a touch of exotic ambiance. For reservations or inquiries, you can call 0532-80998515.