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The 2025 Yangtze River Cultural Festival

On October 24, 2025, the vibrant Yangtze River Cultural Festival commenced in Zhangjiagang, a city in Jiangsu Province, China. This event marks a significant celebration of the rich cultural traditions and creative vitality of the Yangtze River region. The festival, now in its 22nd year, is co-hosted by prominent organizations including the Publicity Department of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the People's Government of Suzhou City, showcasing the collaborative effort in promoting cultural heritage.

A Rich Program of Events

The festival kicked off with the debut performance of The Invitation, a captivating small-theater production that narrates the tale of a museum located along the insistently flowing Yangtze River. This museum receives an illustrious invitation to the Exhibition of Chinese Yangtze River Cultural Relics, thereby linking it to the historical significance of the region. The performance features nine artifacts from Zhangjiagang, each bearing stories of thousands of years, inviting the audience to ponder over human heritage and its endurance.

One of the main attractions this year is an exhibition that showcases an astounding collection of 159 sets of historical artifacts from across the Yangtze River basin. These relics not only illustrate the artistic prowess of ancient civilizations but also highlight the cultural exchange that has occurred throughout history.

Furthermore, to promote the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area, an outdoor event titled Cycling Through 100 Scenic Spots Along the Yangtze River took place on Shuangshan Island. This interactive experience allows participants and visitors to explore the scenic charms of Jiangsu. Additionally, the festival introduced the 3D Cloud Tour Watery Jiangsu, an online cultural tourism initiative aimed at engaging a wider audience.

As part of the festival's ambitious outreach, the Hi, Yangtze River inbound tourism promotion month was launched. A new digital travel guide covering eight cities along the Yangtze River was unveiled. This guide aims to facilitate a deeper connection between visitors and the heritage sites along this historic river, enhancing the travel experience.

Cultural Exchange and Public Engagement

The Yangtze River Cultural Festival serves as a crucial platform for cultural exchange, bringing together participants from Zhangjiagang and 13 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities along the river. The festival has witnessed incredible engagement, with over 200 organizations participating in more than 180 events, attracting nearly 500 million attendees, both in person and online.

The event is structured around five thematic pillars: Heritage of the Yangtze River, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Arts of the Yangtze River, Walking along the Yangtze River, and Open the Yangtze River. These themes ensure a comprehensive representation of the multifaceted cultural heritage associated with the Yangtze River.

The festival runs concurrently with the Glorious Yangtze, Autumn Journey to Zhangjiagang campaign, designed to promote cultural tourism and underscore the Yangtze's relevance in contemporary life. This campaign encapsulates the enduring spirit of the region, inviting everyone to explore its historical richness alongside modern vibrancy.

Through such initiatives, the festival not only fosters cultural appreciation but also encourages a commitment to preserving the rich history of the Yangtze River for future generations. The Yangtze River Cultural Festival continues to bridge the past and present, making it a pivotal celebration in the cultural calendar of Jiangsu and beyond.