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.

The Amricani Cultural Centre – House of Islamic Antiquities is a significant cultural institution housed within a historic former American Mission Hospital. The complex itself, with its graceful, rehabilitated buildings, is a landmark. It serves as the headquarters for the Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah organisation, showcasing selections from the prestigious Al-Sabah Collection, a private assembly of over 20,000 Islamic art objects. The centre functions as a vibrant cultural hub, combining exhibition spaces with a conservation lab, library and theatre, making it a cornerstone for both preserving and presenting Islamic artistic heritage.

Set on a hilltop, Little Fish Hill Park is a favourite spot for panoramic views over Qingdao. With nautical-themed pavilions and a fantastic vantage point, it’s ideal for soaking up views of the city’s red-tiled roofs, lush green spaces, and the Yellow Sea stretching out below.