Millions Cheer China's Largest Beer Festival

　　This year's Qingdao beer festival is drawing in beer enthusiasts¹ from across China, and around the world.

 

　　We get more from CRI's Hu Jia.

 

　　The froth, the fizz, the clink of glasses and the unmistakable aroma² of beer.

 

　　Words seem weak in terms of describing the party the coastal³ city throws every year.

 

　　It's little wonder why the event draws some 2 million people to the city every year.

 

　　"To me beer is something like a friend or lover. It's something I cannot miss in life. In China you can't make friends without alcohol because it is the best medium for friendship."

 

　　This year is said to be the busiest yet in the Qingdao Beer Festivall's 20-year history.

 

　　An estimated 600 tons of beer is expected to be downed this year.

 

　　International brews⁴ including Paulaner, Carlsberg, Kronbacher and Heineken, among others, are all represented, trying to attract Chinese consumers attention.

 

　　More than 300 beers from 27 brewers representing 18 countries are available as part of the 16-day event, which ends this Sunday.

 

　　Revelers to the event can choose from sampling a small glass, to buying a full keg for those looking to share with friends.

 

　　And while the international brands do have their charms⁵, the most popular beer on-tap is the locally-produced Tsingtao.

 

　　"It feels great and unique. Usually we drink with a small circle of friends, but today we are here to drink with people from all over the country and even other parts of the world. This is great toast between Qingdao and the world."

 

　　A wide array⁶ of events are also being staged, including a drinking contest.

 

　　When people aren't drinking, they can take in shows which often include bikini contests, acrobatic displays, and -- of course -- beer!

 

　　For CRI, Gan Bei!... I'm Hu Jia.

1 enthusiasts   

n.热心人，热衷者( enthusiast的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• A group of enthusiasts have undertaken the reconstruction of a steam locomotive. 一群火车迷已担负起重造蒸汽机车的任务。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Now a group of enthusiasts are going to have the plane restored. 一群热心人计划修复这架飞机。 来自新概念英语第二册

2 aroma   

n.香气，芬芳，芳香

参考例句：

• The whole house was filled with the aroma of coffee.满屋子都是咖啡的香味。
• The air was heavy with the aroma of the paddy fields.稻花飘香。

3 coastal   

adj.海岸的，沿海的，沿岸的

参考例句：

• The ocean waves are slowly eating away the coastal rocks.大海的波浪慢慢地侵蚀着岸边的岩石。
• This country will fortify the coastal areas.该国将加强沿海地区的防御。

4 brews   

n.（尤指某地酿造的）啤酒( brew的名词复数 )；酿造物的种类；（茶）一次的冲泡量；（不同思想、环境、事件的）交融v.调制( brew的第三人称单数 )；酝酿；沏（茶）；煮（咖啡）

参考例句：

• He brews beer at home. 他在家里酿造啤酒。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• They produce the country's best brews of beer. 他们生产该国的佳酿啤酒。 来自辞典例句

5 charms   

n.魔力( charm的名词复数 )；魅力；迷人的特征；（链或手镯上的）吉祥小饰物v.使高兴( charm的第三人称单数 )；使着迷；吸引；使中魔法

参考例句：

• Gold charms dangled from her bracelet. 她的手镯上挂着许多金饰物。
• She was impervious to his charms. 他的魅力不能令她动心。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 array   

n.展示，排列，盛装；vt.排列，打扮

参考例句：

• He was unable to escape the array of facts.他无法躲避一连串的事实。
• She puts on her finest array.她穿上最漂亮的衣服。