Since 1903
Tsingtao has been brewing beer for more than 100 years. Our brewmasters began their work in the ancient village of Qingdao with the goal of crafting a beer that pleased imperial tastes. The brew of dynasties, Tsingtao secured an enduring place at the tables of emperor feasts. Guests enjoyed its knack for complementing the cuisine – and its ability to add to the festivities.
With a commitment to quality and a respect for tradition, Tsingtao has become the number one beer in China – and the number one Chinese beer in America. Pleasure and perfection are timeless pursuits – and we continue to pursue both. Celebrate with us... and #LiveImperial.
The Brewery was established in 1903, by German and British settlers in Qingdao.
The first pilsner was produced using imported grains, local hops planted outside the brewery and fresh spring water from the Laoshan mountain.
The first Tsingtao beer was served on December 22, 1904, most likely at a live kung-fu fight.
With its high quality, Tsingtao Beer won the Gold Medal on the Munich International Exposition in 1906, just two years after the brewery was newly built.
Tsingtao decided to share its love of beer with the rest of the world. The earliest Tsingtao export record can be tracked back to the 1950s. Most of the beers were exported to Hong Kong, Macau, and the Southeast Asian market.
Tsingtao was first imported to the U.S. in 1972 and became the top-selling Chinese beer in the U.S. market. In the same year, Tsingtao was ranked the 6th largest brewery in the world based on total sales volume by The Barth Report.
Tsingtao loved beer so much that the brewery launched its first International Beer Festival in 1991 with the goal of developing the culture of beer in Qingdao. Since then the festival has taken place annually in late August and lasts 14 days per year.
In 1993, Tsingtao Brewery became the first-ever Chinese company to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. That same year Tsingtao was also listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, making Tsingtao Brewery the first Chinese company to be listed in both Mainland China and Hong Kong.
Tsingtao becomes an official sponsor of the Beijing Olympics.
Today, Tsingtao Beer China has a total of 69 breweries all over China and is exported to more than 90 countries and regions including the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, UK, Italy, and Canada.