Harbin International Beer Festival kicks off

The 21st Harbin International Beer Festival kicked off on Thursday in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, attracting a large number of residents and tourists to enjoy a pleasant summer in the city.

At the opening ceremony, He Yong, secretary-general of the China Alcoholic Drinks Association, announced that Harbin had been awarded the title of "Beer Capital of China".

Luan Zhicheng, deputy mayor of the city, said, "With some honorary titles, such as the City of Music, the International Wetland City, the National Historical and Cultural City and the Olympic Champion City, Harbin has insisted upon promoting the in-depth integration of culture, sports and tourism. The Harbin International Beer Festival is one of the most important events and platforms for the city to show its charm to the world. It can help more people know Harbin and fall in love with it."

With an area of more than 60,000 square meters, the annual festival is being held at the same park that hosts the Harbin Ice and Snow World festival in the wintertime.

Visitors have a choice of more than 500 kinds of beer from all over the world.

Ceremonies of the festival were topped off with a fireworks show beside a giant Ferris wheel in the shape of a snowflake at the center of the park, providing visitors a spectacular scene after dark.