Built in the late 1800s, Hulishan Cannon Fort is a quirky mix of history and engineering ingenuity — believe it or not, glutinous rice was used in its construction. A highlight is the Krupp cannon, a massive 60-ton German-made cannon, said to be the best-preserved coastal gun in all of China. Wandering around the fort, you’ll stumble across smaller cannons, old stone walls, and views of the coastline that make it easy to imagine its strategic importance back in the day.

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.

Where else can you sulk in the sordid past of Park City? Park City Ghost Tours takes you on a 75-minute walking tour of historic Park City while sharing the ghost stories and history of Main Street’s haunted buildings. The tours leave daily from Miner's Park at 7pm, and reservations are required 24-hours in advance.