Experience the art of mortise and tenon joints, watch performances of ancient buildings… take a cultural trip during the holidays

During the National Day holiday, many people chose to embark on cultural journeys, diving deep into the richness of traditional culture through museums and artistic performances rather than simply sightseeing.

In Chengdu, Sichuan, the Chengdu Museum transformed into a must-see destination for numerous tourists. To cater to the public’s enthusiasm for exhibitions, the museum unveiled three major new exhibits for the holiday and extended its hours from the usual 5 PM to 7 PM. With activities like shadow puppet shows, folk music performances, and painting experiences, visitors were able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of cultural heritage.

Beijing experienced an overflow of cultural activities during the holiday, featuring an impressive lineup of 933 performances, including artistic shows and intangible cultural heritage experiences. On October 2, the grand international circus performance “Time Party: Dream Circus Carnival” premiered, presented in a musical theater setting with a dual-stage layout that offered a 360-degree viewing experience for audiences in the “sports arena.”

Li Chi, director of the Chinese Acrobatic Troupe, emphasized, “Our team is committed to showcasing Beijing as a cultural capital through high-quality performances. We aim to present a ‘show of China’ to the world, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the growth of cultural and tourism platforms.”

In Xuining, Anhui, the Qiyun Mountain resort not only boasted breathtaking views but also offered engaging activities that blended traditional charm with innovation. Activities like bamboo drifting on the Hongjiang River and a traditional Chinese medicine market added a contemporary twist to cultural heritage. Evening events featuring iron flower displays and fire performances infused the Qiuyun town with vibrant energy.

Visitor Peng Jingxin expressed, “The variety of intangible cultural heritage performances was truly captivating. Witnessing the charcoal flower dance and iron flower show was astonishing. In this lively atmosphere, I felt the strength of our nation and the richness of our culture.”

In Guangdong’s Longchuan County, the She ethnic cultural night drew thousands of visitors, showcasing local delicacies such as eight-treasure fish and a range of She cultural artifacts. These activities created an enjoyable cultural feast for everyone involved.

In Lianyungang, Jiangsu, traditional performances found a new home outdoors at the scenic Yanhe Ancient Alley, where over 100,000 visitors engaged in activities related to the Journey to the West and local water-themed artistic expressions. The air was filled with the sounds of familiar classic melodies performed on traditional instruments.

Local resident Zhang Dongzhi shared, “It feels like a cultural festival; my dad brought me to this cultural base to connect with the essence of our traditions.”

In Shanxi, the ancient Ming and Qing fortress in Jincheng welcomed a surge of visitors during the holiday, evolving into a “live theater.” Guests could enjoy immersive performance experiences like “The Rise and Fall of the Family” and unique productions such as “Elegance of National Essence.”

Families in Shandong and Xinjiang took part in the “Touching Our Nation” handcraft workshops. In Jinan, parents and children explored the intricate techniques of mortise and tenon joinery, creatively constructing famous local structures while learning about historical architecture.

Event organizer Zhao Xiande commented, “Building with traditional mortise and tenon methods introduces children to both local and national heritage, subtly nurturing an appreciation for the profound depth of Chinese civilization.”