#China #Yangtze River #cultural festival #Zhangjiagang

Celebration of Heritage at the Yangtze River Cultural Festival 2025

On October 24, 2025, the welcoming ceremonies of the Yangtze River Cultural Festival took place in Zhangjiagang, situated in Jiangsu Province. This annual event is dedicated to highlighting the rich cultural heritage and creative vitality of the Yangtze River region. Organized collaboratively by the Jiangsu Provincial Committee's Publicity Department, the Jiangsu Culture and Tourism Office, and the Suzhou Municipal Government, the festival is a significant cultural event that fosters regional cultural exchange.

The festival kicked off with a theatrical performance titled "The Invitation". This local production narrates the tale of a museum along the Yangtze River that receives an invitation to exhibit significant cultural relics. The narrative unfolds through nine artifacts from Zhangjiagang, each boasting a history that spans thousands of years, prompting the audience to reflect on the enduring spirit of humanity and civilization.

One of the festival’s standout attractions is the exhibition featuring 159 historical artifacts sourced from various locations in the region, offering attendees an opportunity to appreciate the area’s extensive history. An outdoor cycling event, titled "Cycling Through 100 Scenic Spots Along the Yangtze River", also took place on the same day, facilitating a vibrant experience of Jiangsu's scenic beauty. This included a presentation of the innovative 3D Cloud Tour, part of the online cultural tourism project known as "Watery Jiangsu".

Additionally, the campaign "Hello, Yangtze River" was launched to promote inbound tourism, introducing a new digital travel guide that showcases eight cities along the Yangtze River. Marking its 22nd anniversary, the Yangtze River Cultural Festival has evolved into a prominent platform for cultural interactions and public participation, uniting Zhangjiagang with 13 provinces and autonomous regions along the river.

Since its inception, the festival has engaged over 200 participating organizations that have coordinated upwards of 180 events, attracting around 500 million participants both physically and online. The festival’s programming revolves around five major themes: the Heritage of the Yangtze River, Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Arts of the Yangtze River, River Walks, and the River's Role in Society.

Simultaneously, the initiative "Glorious Yangtze, Autumn Journey to Zhangjiagang" is being promoted to encourage cultural tourism consumption in the year 2025, emphasizing the cultural significance of the river and its relevance to contemporary life. This festival not only celebrates the area's historical legacy but also paves the way for future cultural interactions, making it a remarkable event on both local and international stages.

As we reflect on the rich tapestry of traditions showcased, the Yangtze River Cultural Festival continues to nurture a vibrant cultural ecosystem, inviting all to discover and appreciate the enduring legacy of one of China's most vital rivers. The event stands as a testament to the importance of cultural preservation and tourism in a world increasingly interconnected by heritage and history.