The 4th Qingdao International Sailing Week hoisted its sails on Aug. 18 with Qingdao, a coastal city of Shandong province, welcoming more than 1,500 boating enthusiasts from around the globe.

The 16-day event features breath-taking competitions, exhilarating carnivals and fireworks shows.

The Mayor's Cup rally is one of the three main competitions held during the International Sailing Week. It has drawn hundreds of sailors from all around the world to the city.

More than 300 youngsters from China and abroad gathered for the international OP Sailing Camp and OP Sailing Competition.

The event also presents a stage for cultural exchanges and communication. Experts, scholars, celebrities gathered to put forward proposals and exchange ideas about how to develop the "Blue Ocean" industry and promote the concept of a "Sailing City".