Beer & beach festivals bring tourists to Dalian

The northeastern coastal city of Dalian in Liaoning province has always been a magnet for tourists from both home and abroad. And this is even more so in the summer, as the city gives tourists two more reasons to visit - with a double dose of festival fun.

Summer beer festivals dot the Chinese landscape from the north to the south. And one you don't want to miss is the China International Beer Festival in Dalian. The 13-day festival has on offer more than 400 varieties of well-known beer brands. Locals and tourists joined the annual party in the city's Xinghai square beside Bohai Bay, enjoying active days and summer nights filled with cooling brews.

If beer isn't your drink, Dalian has more to offer - the International Beach Culture Festival.

The event takes place on the city's Golden Pebble Beach. One of the highlights is this very popular sand sculpture competition. This year, more than 300 people are getting their hands stuck in .

The beach culture festival also includes a creative design contest, various sports competitions, exhibitions and craft shows.

The two festivals are a great boost to Dalian's tourism industry, having already attracted more than 3.5 million tourists.