The 2024 Yangtze River Culture Festival commenced on Saturday in Zhangjiagang City of east China's Jiangsu Province, featuring a variety of cultural events that delve into the river's rich cultural heritage and its profound influence on the culture, economy, and environment of surrounding regions.
People from 13 provinces, regions, and municipalities along the Yangtze River have gathered at the grand event to jointly explore the rich cultural heritage and contemporary significance of China's longest river, fostering regional integration and promoting mutual learning.
Themed "Integration, Promotion, and Sharing," this year's festival focuses on five main topics, namely cultural relics, intangible cultural heritage, artistic charm, travel, and openness.
The festival features 14 events to enhance cooperation from the source to the mouth of the Yangtze River.
"In the process of heritage conservation, we emphasize the protection of the heritage itself along with the restoration of its surrounding environment, gradually transforming this heritage into cultural landscapes, which is crucial for us today," said Zhang Hongyan, a professor at Nanjing University.
One of the highlights of this year's festival is the 2024 International Humor Art Week, featuring performers who entertain with acts such as crosstalk comedy.
The "Guardians of the Yangtze" Intangible Cultural Heritage and Folklore Fair, held from Saturday to Monday, is also a must-see event.
Nearly 100 'market-goers,' including numerous intangible cultural heritage craftsmen, are showcasing top-notch artifacts and delicacies, fostering a lively cultural and tourism atmosphere that blends exhibitions, performances, and entertainment.
The festival is set to run through November.
2024 Yangtze River Culture Festival kicks off in east China city
