Tea culture festival kicks off in Shanghai

A group of international influencers from the United States, Russia, Italy, and Pakistan embarked on a thrilling journey in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, from July 28 to 30, immersing themselves in the city's tea traditions, beer culture, and coastal flavors.

Global influencers pose for a group photo in front of Taiqing Palace at Laoshan Mountain of Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Their adventure began at the Laoshan Tea Plantations, where they experienced the art of tea-making firsthand.

Guided by a local expert, they picked tender Laoshan tea leaves, learned the delicate process of roasting, and savored the delicate flavors of freshly brewed green tea.

"It's not just tea, you know, it is a connection to nature," said Alex Andreyev, the Russian motorbike travel influencer.

Russian influencer Andreyev vlogs as he picks tea leaves. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

From the hilly mountains, the group headed to Qingdao West Coast New Area for the Qingdao International Beer Festival, a spectacle of music, laughter, and clinking glasses.

The festival grounds buzzed with much excitement as thousands of locals and tourists gathered near beer-themed booths, raising steins of crisp, golden beer. Live bands pumped out upbeat folk-rock fusion, while dancers weaved through the crowds.

The influencers joined the party, toasting with new friends at packed long tables, where strangers quickly became companions over shared pitchers of Qingdao's signature brews.

"I've been to an Oktoberfest before, but this — this is a party", said Marian Rosenberg, translator and cycling enthusiast from the US, as fireworks and light-emitting diode drones lit up the night sky.

International influencers fill their cups with a "gas nozzle" at the beer pump. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As the sun set, the influencers enjoyed a seafood dinner, feasting on freshly caught oysters, scallops, and the city's famous clams. The mix of spicy and savory left them in awe.

Their journey wasn't just about sights and tastes — it was a cultural bridge, presenting Qingdao's unique blend of heritage and modernity to a global audience.

With their social media feeds now buzzing with stunning visuals of tea fields, frothy beers, and oceanfront dining, the influencers left with a shared sentiment: Qingdao is a coastal city in China that lingers in the heart long after the trip ends.