The 16th Qingdao International Beer Festival opened its gates Saturday in the east coast city of Qingdao in Shandong Province.

The opening ceremony was held at the beer town in Qingdao, which is known for its German-style beer.

Art performances, involving about 10,000 people, and a gala display, are parts of the opening ceremony.

Many Chinese and overseas brewers are attending the festival, providing their brands to satisfy the taste of beer lovers. The whole city is pervaded with the aroma of the beer.

Over the past 15 years, Qingdao International Beer Festival has developed into the biggest of this kind in China and a grand Oriental beer event with great international impact.

(China Daily August 18, 2006)