Yichang to host 108 cultural and tourism events for Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day

By Chen Zai

Yichang will host 108 cultural and tourism events during the 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays.

The "Vibrant Riverside, Rocking Yichang" series will return following events held during the May Day and Dragon Boat Festival holidays. Activities will take place from September 24 to 26 and September 30 to October 6 at landmarks along the Yangtze River, including Shuangting Square, Zhenjiang Pavilion, Dananmen Gate, Second Avenue Historical and Cultural Block, Natural Tower, and Finless Porpoise Bay.

Celebrations at Dananmen Gate during the Dragon Boat Festival, part of the "Vibrant Riverside, Rocking Yichang" series. Photo by Fu Beibei.

Celebrations at Zhenjiang Pavilion during the Dragon Boat Festival, part of the "Vibrant Riverside, Rocking Yichang" series. Photo by Fu Beibei.

Evening activities will include live performances featuring light and shadow effects, traditional Chinese opera, folk music, outdoor piano performances, intangible cultural heritage markets, improv comedy, concerts, and drone shows.

A dedicated riverside sightseeing bus service will also debut during the holidays, linking key event venues along the waterfront and making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the area.

Riverside sightseeing buses will operate during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. Photo by Yan Xiaodong.

Beyond the waterfront, Dangyang will host the Guangong Cultural Tourism Festival, while Xingshan will hold a month-long guochao shopping promotion celebrating contemporary Chinese style. Other activities will include performances of folk songs recognized as intangible cultural heritage and events marking the opening of the Yichang-Xingshan High-Speed Railway, highlighting local culture and folk traditions.

Cultural and sporting activities will also take place throughout the holidays. Public cultural venues across the city will remain open, offering themed exhibitions of cultural relics, books, clothing, and fine art, along with more than 280 public events. Sporting events will include Cun BA rural basketball tournaments and marathons.

Yichang will allocate 30 million yuan (US$4.43 million) to encourage consumer spending. Measures will include shopping vouchers, invoice-based prize draws, shopping benefit packages, and discounts at scenic attractions. Major shopping districts and commercial streets will also host food festivals, guochao markets, and rural auto sales promotions, expanding shopping and leisure options during the holidays.