Beijing Canal Arts Fest Opens in Tongzhou

The 4th Beijing International Canal Arts Fest began on September 24, 2026, along the Grand Canal in Tongzhou district. This recurring event, first held in 2018, focuses on promoting cultural and artistic exchange between China and other nations connected by canals, while also integrating culture with tourism.

The festival aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the preservation of the Grand Canal as a living World Cultural Heritage site. It seeks to drive urban renewal through artistic initiatives and deepen international cultural and tourism exchanges, using the canal as a cultural conduit. The opening ceremony hosted over 150 Chinese and international guests and artists from countries including Albania, Côte d'Ivoire, Norway, Sweden, and Türkiye.

Running until September 27, the festival features 22 performances by 14 performing arts troupes from 13 countries. The opening ceremony included a cross-border program with performances from China's Rongxiang Sanxian Chamber Orchestra, Romania's FETNO, Norwegian singer Maria Arredondo, and New Zealand singer-songwriter Luke Thompson.

Additionally, a "Canal × Mid-Autumn" themed bazaar is open, showcasing global cuisine, international handicrafts, and interactive experiences. The event also premiered the video "The Canal in Beijing" and launched ten "Strolling Beijing—Grand Canal Cultural Theme Tours" to invite visitors to explore Beijing's canal heritage.