#China #Yangtze River #cultural festival #Zhangjiagang

The 2025 Yangtze River Cultural Festival

On October 24, the 2025 Yangtze River Cultural Festival was officially inaugurated in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China, marking a significant celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage and creative spirit. This annual event brings together local communities and cultural organizations to celebrate the traditions and artistry stemming from the banks of the great Yangtze River.

The festival is a collaborative effort involving the Publicity Department of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Communist Party and the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, along with local governments from Suzhou and Zhangjiagang. Together, these organizations ensure that the festivities reflect the essence of Jiangsu's cultural identity.

The opening day commenced with a local theatrical performance titled The Invitation. This engaging play narrates the story of a museum along the Yangtze River receiving a prestigious invitation to partake in the 'Exhibition of Cultural Relics from the Yangtze River'. Featuring nine historically significant artifacts from Zhangjiagang, the performance encourages the audience to contemplate the enduring spirit of humanity and civilization through centuries of history.

One of the festival's main highlights includes an exhibition showcasing an impressive collection of 159 historical objects sourced from the wider region. On the same day, the outdoor event titled Cycling Through 100 Scenic Spots Along the Yangtze River took place on Shuangshan Island. This cycling event allowed participants to explore the picturesque beauty of Jiangsu while introducing them to a new 3D Cloud Tour project, aimed at promoting cultural tourism online under the themed Watery Jiangsu.

In addition, the festival saw the launch of the "Hi, Yangtze River" campaign which promotes inbound tourism throughout October, including the release of a new digital travel guide covering the eight cities along the river. This initiative signifies a commitment to enhancing accessibility and convenience for tourists wishing to experience the cultural richness of the Yangtze region.

As the 22nd installment of this cultural festival, it remains a vital platform for fostering cultural exchanges and public engagement. Since its inception, it has successfully united Zhangjiagang with 13 other provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities adjoining the Yangtze River. With more than 200 participating organizations, the festival has hosted upwards of 180 events, attracting nearly 500 million attendees both online and offline.

The festival's activities are organized around five main themes including: the cultural heritage of the Yangtze River, intangible cultural heritage, artistic expressions from the river, riverside walks, and the opening up of the Yangtze. These themes highlight its pivotal role in facilitating cultural conversations and celebrating the historic importance of this waterway.

As a part of the 2025 cultural tourism promotion campaign, titled "Glorious Yangtze, Autumn Journey in Zhangjiagang", the festival aims to illuminate the cultural legacy of the river and its significance in today's society, reflecting both the past achievements and future aspirations of the communities along its banks. The Yangtze River Cultural Festival not only celebrates local traditions; it also represents an evolving dialogue about culture, community, and continuity in an ever-changing world.

With such endeavors, the Yangtze River Cultural Festival continues to be a beacon for cultural vitality, drawing in art lovers, travelers, and locals alike, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the Yangtze River is celebrated and preserved for generations to come.