In East China's port city of Qingdao, the annual beer festival got off to rousing start this week. Tens of thousands of visitors are joining the local crowds for a marathon celebration.

One of the main attractions is the local folk dance parade. The performers, including both old and young, dress themselves as folk deities and legendary figures from history. Amidst ear-splitting music of gongs and drums, they turn the whole plaza into a carnival.

A tourist said, "It's a lot of fun to join in the celebration. The local culture is a big feature. It's very exciting."

The Qingdao International Beer Festival, an annual event over the past decades, is playing the Olympic card this year. Only weeks ago it hosted the sailing competitions of the Beijing Games. An exhibition is being held to showcase some of the high-tech gadgets used during the Olympic Games. And tourists can also try some Olympic sports like archery.

A local resident said, "The Olympics is a focus of the beer festival. It shows the best of our city. I am really proud of the festival."

As part of the beer festival, a cooking contest was held outdoors. Ten amateur chefs participated in the final competition on Tuesday. In addition to kitchen skills, the contestants also displayed their

personal charm. Four dishes took the top honors, and they were fried chicken wings, stewed salmon, sauteed beef heart, and minced shrimps.

(CCTV September 26, 2008)