Chief Reporter Jun Wu / Text by Na Liu and Ruomin Song / Photos by Top News
With nearly 50 craft breweries and around 30 lifestyle brands including dining and creative retail, the NEAR commercial district has transformed into a vibrant hub offering over 300 types of beverages and an array of delectable foods, all set against a sprawling 6,000 sq. meters of outdoor green space nestled between towering office buildings.
On the afternoon of October 18, the inaugural 2024 Central Plains Craft Beer Culture Festival was grandly launched at the NEAR commercial district in Zhengdong New Area, Zhengzhou. As the first craft beer festival in Henan, it promises a lavish “craft brew fashion feast” that celebrates not only the art of brewing but also food, performance, and cultural creativity. This event aims to attract enthusiasts to savor diverse flavors while uniting young people in creating a unique craft beer culture in Zhengzhou, showcasing the city’s modern, independent lifestyle.
Meeting people from all walks of life in Zhengzhou
Young Zhengzhou showcases a distinctive city spirit.
In recent years, Henan’s cultural tourism has gained prominence, with “International Zhengzhou” becoming increasingly trendy and influential.
During the opening ceremony of the 2024 Central Plains Craft Beer Culture Festival, Xu Jing, Deputy General Manager of Zhengdong Construction and Investment Company and Chairman of the Henan New Development Cultural Tourism Group, emphasized the company’s mission of “building a beautiful city and creating a better life.” Over the past 15 years, they’ve developed over 150 projects, including hosting major events such as the 2024 World F1H20 Moto Racing Championship and various cultural festivities. These initiatives contribute to Zhengzhou’s new brand identity: “Young Zhengzhou, Cultural Zhengzhou, International Zhengzhou, Technological Zhengzhou, and Vital Zhengzhou.”
“This festival serves as another distinctive event for Zhengdong New Area and Zhengzhou,” Xu noted. He highlighted that the craft beer festival is not only a channel for promoting beer culture but also a showcase for the city’s image. Hosting the festival at NEAR is meant to create a vibrant and enjoyable experience that helps more people discover the beauty of Zhengzhou and Zhengdong, embodying a different city spirit.
Wang Rumin, Deputy General Manager of Henan New Development Kylin Industrial Co., shared that NEAR is a collaborative project between Zhengdong Construction and Kylin, a key development in both Henan Province and Zhengzhou City. The festival marks the first significant event for NEAR since its completion.
This event explores a new approach by using wheat, a symbol of Central Plains culture, as a focal point to introduce the fashionable element of craft brewing. This initiative aims to engage the innovative young demographic, promising even more exciting activities and collaborations in the future.
Following this, the launch ceremony commenced, featuring colorful sand pouring by Wang Ke, Party Secretary and General Manager of Zhengdong, and other dignitaries, symbolizing the vibrancy and energy of the craft beer festival and NEAR commercial district.
A feast of diverse flavors opens the door to new ways of enjoying life.
Craft beer, showcasing strength in big brands and personality in niche microbreweries, embraces a palate that celebrates local and international options alike.
Starting from October 18, the NEAR commercial district in Zhengzhou presents a series of exciting activities:
– Over 45 craft breweries are on display, featuring popular local brands alongside out-of-province favorites like Wild Goose, FEVER, and others, plus international participants such as Overtone Brewing Co and Stauder. Each beverage promises a burst of flavor and creativity.
– More than 25 lifestyle and dining brands offer a vibrant menu featuring smoked barbecue, handcrafted burgers, desserts, and more, creating a colorful tapestry of culinary experiences.
– Enjoy live music that fills the air for three continuous days—it’s not about perfect harmony, but rather the shared rhythm and joy of the moment.
– While some might shy away from animal performances, the cute furry participants in the pet sports event are sure to steal hearts.
– The WOW motorcycle show and skateboarding competition are sure to rev up excitement for all attendees.
Additionally, the festival features a variety of games including bowling, blind-tasting contests, and craft beer races, offering participants a chance to win tokens that can be exchanged for drinks at the event. It’s all about mixing fun with great brews.
With delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively music all set, the festival is ready to deliver unforgettable joy. Beyond the opening on October 18, festivities will continue on October 19 and 20 from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Let’s raise our glasses not just to indulge, but to invite the moon, celebrate blooming flowers, cherish the spring breeze, and relish the rhythms of life in Zhengzhou. Join us at NEAR for this delightful gathering! (Top News)