On Sept 21, the 2024 Yangtze River Cultural Festival commenced in Zhangjiagang, Suzhou, East China's Jiangsu province, promoting cooperation and cultural exchange throughout the Yangtze River basin.
Artists perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Yangtze River Cultural Festival. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
With the tagline "Facing the Sea", the opening ceremony showcased outstanding artists from around the globe, highlighting the unique characteristics of various ethnic groups along the river while blending Chinese and Western cultures – which serves to underscore the festival's international appeal.
Since 2004, Zhangjiagang has partnered with 13 provinces, regions, and cities along the Yangtze River to hold the event, celebrating the rich heritage of Yangtze River culture and its contemporary significance.
To date, the festival has hosted nearly 200 large, cross-regional cultural events, engaging over 500 million people both online and on-site. It has earned numerous national and provincial accolades, solidifying its status as an important cultural brand both within Jiangsu and throughout China.