5th Macau Qingdao International Beer Carnival blends culture, gastronomy, and tourism

Wynn Palace has opened its doors for the 5th Macau Qingdao International Beer Carnival at Gourmet Pavilion, running from November 6 to 16.

Now in its fifth edition, the carnival continues to strengthen collaboration between Macau and Qingdao in culture, tourism, economy, and trade, building on four successful years since 2021.

Supported by the Macau and Qingdao governments, the event aims to provide a platform for cultural exchange while promoting economic growth for both cities.

This year, the signature event was fully upgraded under the theme “Ola Macau! Hajiu Qingdao!”, stressing the city’s unique appeal as an inclusive World Center of Tourism and Leisure.

The carnival features a wide range of beer products alongside premium liquors such as Huadong wines and XO cognac, providing visitors with an immersive, multi-sensory experience.

A key highlight is the Macau debut of Tsingtao Extra Light, marketed as a low-calorie, low-sugar beer with only 125 kcal and 3.5 grams of carbohydrates per 500ml.

In addition, craft beer enthusiasts can sample the new Tsingtao Hazy IPA, enhancing the beer-tasting experience and showcasing the diversity of brewing styles available.

The opening ceremony at the Wynn Palace Event Marquee brought together officials from both cities, including Yang Quanzhou, deputy director-general of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Zhang Hui, deputy secretary of the CPC Qingdao Municipal Committee, and Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO).

During her speech, Zhang Hui emphasized the strong links between the two cities: “Qingdao and Macau have maintained frequent exchanges in recent years. Exchange events such as the Dynamic Macao Business and Trade Fair and the Qingdao-Macao International Offshore Race have attracted participation from many Qingdao residents… As the beer carnival is being held concurrently with the state-level 15th National Games, Macau as one of the host cities will definitely present a spectacle where sporting passion meets beer craze.”

Fernandes underlined the shared benefits of collaboration: “This special bond has brought the two cities together, enabling them to continually strengthen cooperation in multiple areas, including tourism, gastronomy, culture, sports, economy and trade… Through this event, the two cities will further explore opportunities for collaboration and continue to discover new avenues for development by leveraging their synergy.”

Zoe Zou, chief marketing officer of Resort Marketing of Wynn Macau, Limited highlighted the upgraded scope of the carnival: “We hope the International Beer Carnival will further drive the extensive integration of culture, tourism, and festive elements to attract more international visitors and boost Macau’s mega event economy. We also anticipate that the event will encourage in-depth exchanges among enterprises from both cities, fostering joint efforts that propel economic prosperity and cultural integration.”

For the first time, the carnival is hosted at Gourmet Pavilion, a culinary landmark at Wynn Palace.

The venue brings together top Asian dining brands and a variety of premium beers, allowing visitors to fully engage with a vibrant gastronomic culture.

The event also features live bands, DJs, and interactive entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere that complements the city’s position as a hub for tourism, leisure, and cultural exchange.

MDT Review