The scenic views from Astypalaia's hilltop Venetian castle reward those who dare to make the climb - although little remains of the castle itself, the views of the whitewashed houses leading to the azure waters of Aegaen are simply spectacular.

The Kipling Garden is considered one of the best-kept gardens in England. Throughout the years, it has consistently earned a high-status award, the Green Flag, for its exemplary and well-maintained horticultural gardens. It was named after Rudyard Kipling, a famous writer who had once lived in the area.

First held in 1991, the Qingdao International Beer Festival has grown into Asia’s largest beer event. Every August, starting on the second Sunday of the month, the festival kicks off and runs for 16 days in the city’s Shilaoren National Tourism Resort. This sprawling 35-hectare 'Beer City' is built specifically for the occasion, where beer lovers from all over the world come together. While you can always grab a Tsingtao Beer in Qingdao, nothing compares to the carnival buzz of the festival. Expect a fun mix of live music, international brews, and plenty of opportunities to sample the local favourite—Tsingtao Beer, of course. One quirky Qingdao tradition to note: fresh beer is often sold in plastic bags. So, don’t be surprised when you see people strolling the streets with a bag of beer in hand. It's all part of the fun.

With architectural characteristics resembling Beijing's Temple of Heaven, People's Assembly Hall serves as a symbol of China's modern history and politics. For a small entrance fee, you can enter the building and enjoy the beautiful auditorium.