Vietnamese visitors learn about local beer culture at the Tsingtao Beer Museum during a tour in Qingdao, Shandong province, from Jan 2 to 7. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The delegation toured key tourism stops, including Qingdao's waterfront, historic districts, and beer-themed attractions. Organizers also highlighted winter-focused offerings such as coastal birdwatching and wedding-related tourism products, part of a niche market local authorities describe as a growing driver of off-season travel.

The Qingdao–Ho Chi Minh route currently operates 14 round-trip flights a week. Local tourism officials said they expect more Vietnamese tour groups during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday.

The Republic of Korea remains Qingdao's largest source of inbound visitors. During the recent New Year holiday, more than 100 South Korean tourists visited the city, according to local authorities, taking part in programs built around coastal scenery and cultural experiences.