What is your plan for the National Day Golden Week? Music? Food? Beer? Electronic music? Tourism? Or master class? We have all that you want at the Beijing International Canal Arts Fest from October 2 to 4, 2024.
Popular bands, top dance troupes and DJs from 13 countries and famous canal cities, including，Beijing, Germany, Switzerland, France, Greece, Scotland(UK), Russia, Australia, Seattle(USA), Mexico, Ecuador, Chiangmai(Thailand) and Italy, will light up the event with rock, pop, folk, jazz, blues, world music, folk songs, and dances, Techno, and House!
There will be also more than 10 canal culture and tourism booths.Harmonia Incense Production, Carved Lacquerware Technique, Snuff Bottle Technique, Shadow Puppets, Lord Rabbit, Beijing Silk Man, and other intangible cultural heritages of China will attract attention. Exotic charms such as small fan drawings in Chinese and Thai styles, Romanian wine, Moldovan sweet wine, and Baltic amber will also make a stunning appearance.
There will be more than 30 restaurants from different countries, including Asian snacks, local wines, Mediterranean Pizza, European wines, Mexican Tacos, and Latin Cocktails, which make the canal food promenade full of hustle and bustle and make you linger on!
During the National Golden Week, come to Beijing, visit the canals, watch performances, and savor delicious food. Let us gather in XIDIANJIYI Funstown and make the canal culture become a bridge connecting the world!
The Arts Fest is divided into four parts, including the Sound of Canal, Crafts of Canal, Journey of Canal, and Flavor of Canal. With tips on transportation and reservation, you can find numerous ways to be fun! Are you ready for some spoilers?
Sound of Canal
JOYSIDE was founded in 2001 in Beijing. The band is one of the most high-yielding and influential indie bands in China during the first decade of the 21st century. The band is known as "the most charming romantic rock band" in the Chinese music industry. JOYSIDE is also one of the most talked-about bands in the Chinese indie music scene at the beginning of the 21st century, and their charisma and fashionable style have deeply influenced a generation of Chinese youths,pop music fans and several great young bands as well. In 2019, JOYSIDE participated in the music show The Big Band season 2 and won HOT5 of the year.
Bola Suriana was founded in 1989 in the historic and cultural city of Morelia, Mexico. Inheriting the genes of Mexican history and culture, the band is dedicated to the expression and communication of the traditional and popular music of Mexico and Latin America, with a special emphasis on the indigenous and mestizo music of the state of Michoacán. Bola Suriana, one of the most internationally recognized bands in Mexico, has released 20 albums and completed 33 world tours over the years.The band has traveled to the Xochimilco Canal in Mexico, filmed music and tourism promotional videos, and participated in the 2nd Beijing International Canal Arts Fest, and gained the love and popularity of the Chinese audience.
Sophie de Quay is a two-person pop group. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, with its scenic Lake Geneva and the Rhone River, vocalist Sophie is a rising star on the European music scene. In 2006, she formed Sophie de Quay with multi-instrumentalist and music producer Simon. The group fully reflects the cultural characteristics of the diverse fusion of Switzerland and incorporates musical elements from all over the world, presenting unique electronic pop music in an innovative and open style. They have organized nearly 250 performances in 15 different countries and regions, including Switzerland, Lebanon, Spain, China, Japan, India, Singapore and the United States.
Siam Smile originated from Chiang Mai in Thailand. It was established in 2010. The dance troupe is very active both in Thailand and internationally, having been invited multiple times to participate in cultural exchange and tourism promotion events between China and Thailand.
Based on traditional dances from various regions of Thailand, the troupe choreographs performances that showcase Thai culture and folk characteristics. The dance troupe will present multiple dance styles rich in Thai royal and ethnic traditions, along with a fashion show featuring costumes from four regions and a Muay Thai performance. The dancers will wear stunning costumes adorned with exquisite accessories, holding elaborate props and moving gracefully with intricate steps that are rhythmic and expressive. The performance will convey wishes for the health and happiness of friends, as well as hopes for a peaceful and beautiful life.
COSMODROME comes from Nuremberg, Germany, a city along the Rhine-Danube Canal. The band released its debut single in April 2021. Its signature track, STARCHILD, was featured on a Spotify editorial playlist, amassing over 1.5 million streams on Spotify and more than 350,000 views on YouTube.
2023, COSMODROME held a tour in China and participated in a large music festival in Nanyang, which attracted 40,000 young music fans. It gained a high success in performance. In 2024, COSMODROME took part in the “Chengdu European Culture Season” series of events and held a concert. The performances of the band in China garnered attention from German official media, with the national television currently producing a documentary about the band.
Djang San first came to Beijing in 2000. Now, as a French musician, he is skilled at playing traditional Chinese instruments like Zhongruan and Pipa, and sings in Chinese. His music primarily features traditional Chinese instruments incorporating elements from various ethnic minority music styles, including Mongolian throat singing,Yunnan hulusi, and Uyghur music. His musical style spans jazz, electronic, rock, traditional music, experimental music and folk. Having traveled between China and France for many years, Djang San defines his creative style as "blending Eastern and Western cultures to create a brand new musical style and building a bridge connecting cultures through music". For this time，Djang San will bring an exciting performance to music fans in Beijing with his band.
Billowing Fairytale was established in Beijing in 2003. With its unique vocal melodies, signature guitar riffs and rich, elaborate arrangements, the band has influenced the aesthetic and development of several generations of young bands.
Cold Summer is a distinctive international rock band comprised of music elites from Greece, Colombia, Ecuador, Australia and Russia. They are all based in Beijing. With their passionate performances and creative musical style, the band has become a refreshing force in the rock scene. Their music captures the romantic senses of the Mediterranean. In addition, it also showcases the vibrant energy of Latin styles.
The members of the Torch graduated from top dance institutions of China, including the Beijing Dance Academy and The Central Academy of Drama in Peking. They have earned widespread acclaim in China for their solid dance foundation, innovative styles and bold choreography. The troupe has won multiple dance awards. Members also starred in numerous dance dramas such as Dongpo, Hongfeicuilv and Qingyi, representing China at significant domestic and international events, including the Great Journey, Winter Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Military Parades and Happy Chinese New Year.
Peter 0 is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer and songwriter. From Scotland to Beijing, he has transitioned from solo performances to multi-instrumental playing, spanning genres from blues to jazz. In addition to being a musician and producer, he also lectures in the creative music industry at university. He gathered Irish and Miao musicians to perform his original songs and released his highly acclaimed new album, The Companion Ladder, globally.
James Holt comes from Seattle, USA. He has won the hearts of local music fans with his unique blend of country and folk music. His musical works are filled with a love for and dedication to American traditional culture. In addition, his musical works reflect his deep emotional connection to the land of America.
Leo Furioso，as a DJ, graphic designer, animator, cinematographer, this polyhedron is loved by locals and foreigners alike for bringing a unique shade of House and Disco Music to the capital Beijing. His sets can be described as the dystopian result of Disco Music from Berlin, Detroit Techno and Paradise Garage in Beijing.
RK is one of the most active and well-known DJs in Beijing. His music style includes Tropical House, Hip Hop and Funky Soul. His performance style is characterized by multimode that engages the emotions and atmosphere of the audience.
DJ El-mar, a global beatmaker with roots in Germany, and a heart in Beijing. His journey behind the decks began at just 15, spinning from Berlin's largest open-air electronic festival to the clubs across Europe, he has mesmerized crowds in top venues from Ibiza to the Philippines. With a footprint in over 80 cities across China, making him a true maestro of the international electronic music scene.
(All subject to the site situation)
Crafts of Canal
Art of Shadow Puppetry
Shadow puppetry is an ancient folk art form. Craftsmen use cowhide as the material, and go through processes such as scraping, polishing, carving, and dyeing to create exquisite puppets and props.During the performance of shadow puppetry, by using light to illuminate a semi-transparent screen, artists manipulate the shadow figures behind this screen, allowing their movements to complement music and singing, and telling vivid stories. In this event, shadow puppeteer Mao Zhongbo is invited to perform.
Harmonia Incense Production Technique
Harmonia incense production refers to the process of using traditional Chinese herbs and natural herbs, under the guidance of ancient methods, and through material selection, preparation, blending, and use, making a series of fragrant products (commonly known as "Harmonia incense" ).Because of the careful selection of materials and complex processing, the fragrance production is time-consuming and labor-intensive. As a result, Harmonia incense can embody the reverence and exploration of nature, as well as the inheritance and development of traditional crafts, and express the people’s piety and faith in Buddhism. In this event, Sun Liang, the representative inheritor is invited to participate.
Snuff Bottle with Inside Painting Art
As a unique traditional craft in China, inside painting originates from the technique of snuff bottle painting. Its painting technique refers to the use of specially designed deformed fine brushes to draw intricate and detailed images by hands inside snuff bottles, which are made of materials such as glass, with the characteristics of elegant style and exquisite brushstrokes. In this event, Mr. Liu Dong, the inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of the snuff bottle with inside painting art, is invited to participate.
Lord Rabbit Production Technique
Lord Rabbit production technique is the intangible cultural heritage project in Beijing. Taking traditional Chinese culture and folk customs in Beijing as the core, Jitufang inherits and promotes the auspicious culture of Lord Rabbit with the history of the four hundred year through traditional handicrafts. Beijing Lord Rabbit series production made by Jitufang is deeply rooted in the cultural spirit of Beijing with its vivid expression and profound cultural connotations.
Beijing Silk Man Tang Doll
On the basis of "Beijing Silk Man", "Beijing Silk Man Tang Doll" arts and crafts are developed by Tangrenfang. Relying on the basis of inheriting the old techniques, through bold design, works from Tangrenfang maintain the traditional charm of Beijing silk man, and enjoy the innovation in their expression form and content. Through these little Chinese Barbie carrying Chinese culture, the fascinating stories of China are told to the world.
Carved Lacquerware Technique
As an ancient traditional handicraft in China, carved lacquerware technique refers to the production of exquisite craftsmanship, during which the natural lacquer is used as the base material, and three-dimensional patterns are created through multiple applications, polishing, and carving. Due to the complexity of the process, each piece of work takes several months or even years to complete. With the characteristics of smooth color and exquisite patterns, carved lacquerware products have high artistic and collectible value. As a treasure in the treasure trove of Chinese arts and crafts, it is also a national intangible cultural heritage.
Romanian Wine in original bottle
Romanian wine is highly recommended by ICR Beijing. These wines are produced in vineyards along canals, which have fertile soil and suitable climate, providing ideal conditions for grape growth. By using canal water irrigation and combining traditional and modern wine-making techniques, Romanian winemakers carefully brew wine with rich taste. As the best choice for tasting Romanian wine culture and canal charm, every bottle of wine contains the essence of canal culture.
Folk Handicrafts in Xochimilco, Mexico
The folk handicrafts in Xochimilco, Mexico include pottery, paper art, wood carving, textiles, and painting. Through the unique artistic style, vibrant colors, and exquisite craftsmanship of these handicrafts, Mexico's traditional patterns and mythological stories are showcased, while the local residents' love for life and respect for tradition are also reflected.
Thai Aromatherapy
Thailand is renowned for its origin of aromatherapy and essential oils. Experiencing aromatherapy is a must-have item for tourism in Thailand. Lemongrass aromatherapy, as a representative of Thai fragrance, can not only be used for food and tea drinks, but also for promoting physical and mental health, and it even has mosquito repellent and epidemic prevention functions. In this event, PHUTAWAN, a brand recommended by Thai Chamber of Commerce in China, was invited to participate. In addition, visitors may taste exquisite desserts from PATARA, a Tai Restaurant, at the same booth in this event.
Small Fan Drawing in Chinese and Thai Styles
In this event, based on traditional Chinese fan culture, distinctive elements of China and Thailand will be incorporated into the paintings on the fan surface, with a focus on showcasing Thai landmarks with Chinese elements such as Talad Noi and Yaowarat Road. Through artistic fusion, the beautiful theme of the harmony between Chinese and Thai people will be expressed. In this event, Artist Sun Hongbin is invited to participate.
Beijing gifts
"Beijing gifts" is a cultural and tourism creative product brand established by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism in 2011. "Beijing gifts" adopted a model of "licensed pilot operators + themed specialty stores + high-quality cultural and tourism creative products", promoting the specialization, high-end appeal, refinement and internationalization of the brand. It aims to become an incubation and resource integration platform for cultural and tourism creative products, a promotional platform for cultural tourism consumption of Beijing, and a reserve platform for diplomatic gifts and city souvenirs. For this time, it will recommend brands Jitufang and Tangrenfang.
The Grand Canal Gift
"The Grand Canal Gift" is a cultural creative brand that emerged from China's cultural initiative for the three cultural belts and the national cultural parks of Grand Canal. Its slogan is "A gift that conveys Chinese culture"."The Grand Canal Gift" is divided into six series in products: "Creative Products in Tourism", "Designer Goods", "National Intangible Cultural Heritage Gifts", "Grand Canal Peace Beast IP" and others. It has become a distinctive cultural card for promoting the image of China.
Hongqiao Market
With a construction area of 30000 square meters and a business area of nearly 20000 square meters, Hongqiao Market in Beijing was founded in 1979, which is adjacent to Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage Site. Hongqiao Market has the reputation of "the first pearl market in Beijing" and it is also one of the favorite markets for foreign guests. Hongqiao Market is highlighted as a tourist landmark building under the name of "Pearl market". For this time, Hongqiao Market will team up with the arts of snuff bottles to tell the story of Beijing.
Journey of Canal
Do you want to explore cultural gems of history of all canals? Do you want to experience the charm of Beijing, where the past and present blend together? Welcome to the World Canal Culture and "Hello Beijing" Exhibition!
Here, you will travel through time and space, enjoy the unique style of major canals in the world, and feel the cultural charm of the intersection of the Central Axis and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal (Beijing section). From the rich history of the Grand Canal of China to the majestic sight of the Central Axis in Beijing, from the watery labyrinths of Venice, Italy, to the breathtaking beauty of the Rhine in Germany, from the serene simplicity of the Mae Kha Canal in Thailand to the stylish glamour of the Coode Canal in Australia, from the vicissitudes of the Dique Canal in Colombia to the natural beauty of the Rhone River in Switzerland, from the river and sea access of the Canal du Midi in France to the engineering marvels of the Corinth Canal in Greece, from the ecological beauty of Local Canal System in Ecuador to the industrial achievements of the Forth Clyde and Union Canal in Scotland, UK, you will embark on an exciting cultural journey.
Flavor of Canal
It is both a music carnival and a food feast!
The world's famous canal countries and cities have their own unique food culture, and this cultural week will bring them all together, including from Beijing to the whole of Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, Africa and other amorous flavors.
At the event, along with the music, you will enjoy Beijing snacks, German sausages, Thai curry, American burgers, Mexican tacos, etc., from canal cities all over the world. It is expected that there will be more than 50 kinds of distinctive flavors, connecting a “flow of food” that will allow you to eat from the beginning to the end.
Cruise Ship in the spotlight！
And Merchandise for fans！
And surprises given at booth of Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center!
The creative exhibitors will also bring various stunning activities (subject to the site situation). Try to get more!
Transportation Tips:
Metro: Line 1 to Sihuidong Station or Line 7 to Baiziwan Station
Bus: Baiziwan Jiayuan Station or Fangjiacun Station
Locate “XIDIANJIYI”
Drive/taxi: navigation to "West Gate of XIDIANJIYI"
We seriously recommend that you come here by public transportation!
Repeat! Event Time!
10.2 11:00-21:00
10.3 11:00-21:00
10.4 11:00-21:00
Not revelry on weekends,
but surprises during holidays!
Last but not least！
Reservation！
Even free reservation requires a process.
Please fill in the registration form online.
You will receive a confirmation notice and QR code.
Please present the QR code at the entrance and wear a wristband.
On-site reservation is available only when the situation meets the safety standards.
But！
Safety first, the number of people on site is limited.
Online reservation visitors are required to enter the venue in an orderly manner according to the on-site instructions.
Have a good time!
Anyway，
Scan the QR Code below
Activate your holiday VIBE now!
(All subject to the site situation)
(Source: Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center)
