The entrance to Golden Beach Beer City in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province Photo: VCG

Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong Province, has been designated as the tourism and cultural capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for 2024 to 2025.

Since 2022, the SCO has annually designated a city as the "SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital." In 2022, the city of Varanasi in India first clinched the title. In 2023, the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan was designated as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2023 and 2024. 

As the 2024-25 "SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital" series of events unfolds, Qingdao is set to transform into a vibrant hub celebrating diverse SCO elements in the coming year. 

Renowned as a crucial port along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Qingdao is expected to attract a surge of international visitors eager to explore the city's rich history, natural beauty, local delicacies, and, notably, its world-famous beer.

Diverse activities

On July 12, Qingdao launched the 2024-25 "SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital" event alongside the simultaneous kickoff of the 2024 SCO Summer Event. 

The 2024 SCO Summer Event will focus on cross-cultural dialogue, tourism development, youth exchanges, media cooperation, history, and cultural heritage. 

It will feature more than 20 categories and nearly 100 distinctive events held both throughout Qingdao and internationally.

Starting from July 12, the 2024 SCO Summer Event will see a flurry of activities that blend Qingdao's local charm with SCO cultural elements. 

In the music and dance sector, over 20 events, including choral concerts and a "SCO Summer" music season, will be held. 

The tourism sector will feature more than 20 themed events at the Qingdao SCO Pearl International Expo Center's 20 national pavilions, such as a Uzbek ceramics exhibition. 

Other activities include the Qingdao Handicraft Festival, various water sports competitions such as sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, and youth exchange programs like an international emergency medicine training camp and a Sri Lankan study camp.

Additionally, sculptors from Russia, Kazakhstan, and other SCO countries will embark on explorations in Qingdao to create works related to the SCO. 

At the event on July 12, Kopylov Oleg, deputy secretary-general of the SCO, said that SCO member countries ­possess rich histories and ancient civilizations and that showcasing the immense ­tourism potential of each country is an important task for the development of the SCO.

"In Qingdao, one can experience the convergence of different cultures and civilizations. This unique attraction of Qingdao makes it a cultural exchange center among SCO member countries," he said.

Boosting inbound tourism

This year, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy, driving a surge in inbound tourism. According to a forecast report by Chinese online travel agency Trip, Qingdao ranks seventh among the most popular summer inbound tourism destinations. Ticket orders for Qingdao attractions increased by 67 percent year-on-year, with inbound travel orders rising by 52 percent.

Historically, Qingdao was an important node of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, facilitating trade and cultural exchanges between China and other regions. 

As a major port city, it has facilitated trade and cultural exchanges across the seas. The city's strategic location continues to make it an important hub for international trade and maritime activities.

The city has seen influences from various cultures, notably during the late 19th century, when it was occupied by Germany. 

This history has left unique architectural characteristics, with well-preserved colonial buildings that give Qingdao a distinct European charm.

The architectural heritage of Qingdao is one of its most striking features. The city's historic buildings, such as those in the Badaguan area, showcase a blend of Western and Eastern styles. 

Qingdao became a UNESCO City of Film in 2017. The Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, the birthplace of The Wandering Earth, has hosted almost 300 productions since its completion in 2018.

Qingdao's coastline is renowned for its natural beauty, with rocky shores, sandy beaches, and clear blue waters that create picturesque vistas. The contrast of the sea against the city's skyline and historical architecture adds to its aesthetic appeal.

"If you're going to enjoy the sea view, you must take a stroll along Qinyu Road. Every coffee shop on the road has its own theme. You can even find Gothic-style pubs here," Wang, a student at a local university in Qingdao, told the Global Times.

Beer and coastal cuisine

Qingdao is home to Tsingtao Brewery, one of China's most famous and internationally­ recognized beer brands. Established in 1903 by German settlers, Tsingtao Brewery has a rich history and has played a significant role in shaping Qingdao's identity as a "beer city." 

The brewery combines traditional German brewing techniques with local ingredients, creating a distinctive flavor that has gained worldwide acclaim. 

Nowadays Tsingtao beer is sold in more than 120 countries and regions around the world including the US, Germany, Australia and Russia.

"Don't miss out on the original draft beer from the barbecue stall! Qingdao's beer has just the right alcohol content to get pleasantly buzzed without getting drunk. It is perfect for enjoying a large glass with family and friends," Wang said.

Qingdao cuisine, influenced by its coastal location and historical connections, features a delightful array of flavors. 

Seafood takes center stage, with dishes like drunken shrimp and drunken fish showcasing fresh catches prepared in flavorful marinades. In Qingdao, indeed there's nothing more pleasant than enjoying seafood paired with beer at the night market.

Qingdao's rich cultural heritage, historical significance, natural beauty, and modern amenities make it a dynamic and appealing destination for tourists.