Praising the great achievements of a glorious era and writing together a new chapter of the times… During the 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, a wide variety of cultural activities and artistic performances were held across the country. These events, which added multilayered and high-quality contributions to the cultural life of the people, presented a vivid picture of cultural development in the new era.
Red Culture Strengthens Patriotism
In Tangyuan County of Heilongjiang, hundreds of people joined hands in a square echoing with national anthems to form a giant five-pointed star. As ten flag bearers ran with red flags, the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause. Local officials emphasized that such “immersive experiences make patriotism tangible and help pass red culture from one generation to the next.”
At the Poly Theater in Ji’an, Jiangxi Province, the “National Day Symphony” concert began with passionate marches. Artists from the China Conservatory of Music and the National Opera House held nine concerts during the Jinggang Mountain Red Culture Music Week. When the song I Love You, China was performed, many retired soldiers could not hold back their tears.
Meanwhile, at the Houcang Meeting Hall in Weng’an County, Guizhou, visitors were transported back to the years of the Red Army’s Long March through VR technology. Children signed their names in memorial books, while visitors expressed how they were inspired by the revolutionary past.
Traditional Culture Displays Contemporary Charm
In Beijing, the 9th China Opera Culture Week showcased traditional performances such as Kunqu, Ganju, and Qinju. Visitors experienced the enchantment of Chinese opera both in theaters and in garden-park settings.
In Nanjing, the night performance Now There Is Theater in Nanjing offered visitors the chance to step on stage, try on costumes, and practice opera lines. On the Xi’an city walls, 13 towers hosted thematic cultural exhibitions for the first time, transforming the ancient military defense structures into “cultural living rooms” that attracted large audiences.
Colorful Festivities Brightened Holiday Life
In Urumqi, the exhibition themed “70th Anniversary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region” drew great interest. The historic city of Kashgar was filled with tourists, who enjoyed the festive atmosphere in teahouses, bazaars, and traditional workshops. To boost nighttime tourism, five new routes were launched, featuring performances such as lion dances and Yingge dances.
In Changsha, city centers came alive with theater shows, stand-up comedy, and interactive games. Jokes performed in local dialects were met with enthusiastic laughter.
The first Songshan Lake Biennale in Dongguan, themed Return and Coexistence, stood out with artworks reflecting the harmony of nature and culture. In addition, 125 “Matchbox” concerts were organized across the city. Artists from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and local musicians presented diverse music genres to the public throughout the holiday.
This year’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, with events ranging from red culture to traditional arts, from modern entertainment to urban culture, highlighted China’s cultural vitality and the strong engagement of its people.