Nestled on the eastern coast of China in Shandong Province, Qingdao is more than just a city with picturesque seashores. It’s a unique blend of brewing heritage and cinematic prowess. The city’s magnetism recently pulled a delegation of media representatives from 10 countries associated with the Belt and Road Initiative, offering them an immersive experience in the city’s cultural and touristic vibrancy.
The Qingdao International Beer Festival, which had its inception in 1991, has since burgeoned into a global beer celebration. In its 33rd iteration this past July, attendees had a staggering choice of over 2,000 beer varieties from more than 40 countries and regions. This 24-day fiesta isn’t just about beer; it’s also a carnival that captivates with music, art exhibitions, and various sports events. The festival’s charm has consistently beckoned enthusiasts not just from China but from all corners of the world.
At the heart of Qingdao’s brewing legacy is the Tsingtao Brewery. More than a brewing facility, it’s an emblematic brand that chronicles China’s beer history. The brewery’s old grounds now house a fascinating beer museum that delves deep into China’s brewing culture, making the city even more alluring for travel aficionados.
Visitors to the museum are treated to a visual spectacle of photo galleries, alongside exhibitions of age-old brewing apparatus. The tours, curated meticulously, detail the journey of beer: its crafting process and its evolution over time. To make the experience even more engaging, the museum has added an escape room challenge. And, as a cherry on top, beer aficionados can indulge in a beer tasting session.
Ma Zongxing from Tsingtao Brewery’s PR team shared that the museum’s popularity is soaring. It averages around 3,000 visitors daily, and during the recent National Day holiday, they witnessed a surge with approximately 80,000 visitors gracing their premises.
Liana Jorjoliani, an editor from Georgia’s Geoecohub, applauded the museum’s initiative. She praised its blend of history, interactivity, and beer culture, terming the experience both enlightening and entertaining. Meanwhile, Timur Kuvatov, from the Kazakhstan Today News Agency, highlighted the admiration for Chinese beer in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the dominance of Tsingtao Beer as the nation’s favorite imported brew.
Yet, Qingdao’s charm isn’t solely brewed in beer vats. The city also shines brightly on the cinematic front with the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis. Often referred to as the “Eastern Hollywood”, this film hub is the powerhouse of China’s movie industry. Blockbusters like the sci-fi sensation “The Wandering Earth II” and the mythological marvel “Creation of the Gods: Kingdom of Storms” were born here. Since 2018, this vast 3.76 million square meter cinematic paradise has hosted close to 300 productions.
Sun Hengqin, the visionary CEO of the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis Industry Holding Group, emphasized the pivotal role the base plays in China’s film heritage and its futuristic endeavors. The delegation was deeply impressed by the cutting-edge technologies at play, from motion capture to virtual production and beyond. Many expressed eagerness to collaborate, sensing the vast potential of the base.
Sun reciprocated the enthusiasm, highlighting the deepening cultural exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative. He voiced optimism about the boundless possibilities of international collaborations at the film base, capturing the spirit of shared creative visions.
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