Qingdao Donghai Hotel

Beer Festival

by Upward

Picture from the kitchen balcony of my first apartment in Qingdao. This is the location of the Qingdao International Beer Festival. The place is abandoned for 11 months out of the year only to open for one or two over-indulgent weeks. If you go with some chinese friends, be very careful, when some folks say ganbei (bottoms up) they really mean it. Pitcher after pitcher of every color beer and karaoke to boot can lead to trouble.

Not all imperialist influences are bad

by melosh

"Beer in a bag."

The best beer in China comes from Qingdao. Thank you, Germany. Of course, there are many other reasons to visit this manageable sized port city. Approaching by bus or train, you will be underwhelmed, but once in the city you will begin to experience its charms. There are the vistas, the varied architecture, the ocean and the relaxed friendly people -- especially, the people.

Beyond the friendliness, I was charmed by people eating tomatoes like fruit and buying beer in large plastic bags.

Once the downtown construction is finished, it will be even easier to enjoy. Unlike the construction happening in much of China, the construction in Qingdao does not appear to threaten the feeling of the city.