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.

Originally built for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Sailing Competitions, the Qingdao International Sailing Centre has since become a sailing boat dock. You can rent a boat for a scenic tour around the bay or simply unwind at one of the nearby bars, enjoying a cold drink and the refreshing sea breeze.

Castelvecchio, which means 'Old Castle', dates back to the mid-1300s and was built by Cangrande II della Scala as both a residence and fortress. Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum, with a good collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The castle’s walls and towers give a solid sense of Verona’s history, and the walk along the river from here is worth adding to your route.