The Beijing International Yanjing Beer Culture Festival 2024 officially opened on Friday evening in the capital's Shunyi district, marking its 33rd edition since its inception in 1992.

A Chinese dance kicks off the Beijing International Yanjing Beer Culture Festival 2024, July 12, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

This year's festival venues have been upgraded, with the main venue, the Shunyi Hall of the China International Exhibition Centre, hosting events simultaneously with more than 200 Yanjing Beer Gardens across China until the festival concludes on the 21st. In addition to beer, the festival features a variety of panels, exhibitions, and a bazaar selling local produce from rural areas, offering visitors a unique experience.

"This year's beer festival is strongly characterized by its vibrant atmosphere, with various kinds of food, drinks, and entertainment," Miao Ligang, deputy general manager of Beijing National Exhibition Center Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China International Exhibition Center Group Limited and the event organizer, told China.org.cn.

The Beijing International Yanjing Beer Culture Festival 2024 officially opens on July 12  in the capital's Shunyi district. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Miao explained that the festival combines activities such as camping, light shows, sports, music, food, and entertainment with beer, creating a unique experience beyond a traditional beer festival.

According to Miao, a special 20,000 square-meter camping area has been set up on the lawn of the Shunyi Hall courtyard, and the event features four catering sections showcasing global cuisines.

The festival also includes four original exhibitions: the Craft Beer Carnival, Diving Carnival, Anime Exhibition, and Pokémon Card Game Masters Tournament.

The Beijing International Yanjing Beer Culture Festival 2024 officially opens on July 12 in the capital's Shunyi district. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The Craft Beer Carnival, held in Hall E3 from July 12 to 14, allows visitors to sample more than 200 craft beers from around the world with their general admission tickets.

Mr. Chen, a beer can collector, had a double win at the carnival on Friday evening, enjoying sampling various beers and scoring rare beer cans. "These are all beer cans from domestic Chinese breweries. They have very lovely designs and are no longer available on the market. What a lucky find!" the retired Beijing resident exclaimed.

International visitors also joined the beer carnival. British expat Douglas, who has called Harbin home for eight years, came with his American friend Michael. When asked about their motivation for visiting, Michael chuckled in fluent Chinese, "Because we might be alcoholics!"

The Beijing International Yanjing Beer Culture Festival 2024 officially opens on July 12 in the capital's Shunyi district. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Douglas, accustomed to Harbin's local brews, said he wanted to try some Beijing beer this time but was surprised by the opportunity to explore a vast range of uniquely flavored beers from different areas.

"This is a truly interesting experience," remarked the young man.