The 2026 Beijing Great Wall Cultural Festival (2026北京长城文化节) will be held at the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall Scenic Area from September 19 to October 7. On the opening day (September 19), the festival will unveil its unique theme, "Jiudu, Nine Scenes, Nine Harvest Years" (九渡九景九丰年), showcasing nine photogenic spots connected in a tour route, paired with nine immersive harvest-themed experiences covering sightseeing, interactive activities, culinary delights, and shopping.

"Nine Scenes"

1. Light Show in a Painting

Begin your journey through the dazzling illuminated tunnel at the entrance.

2. Lions Welcoming Guests

Experience an energetic lion dance welcoming ceremony at the main entrance.

3. Banner Performance on the Great Wall

Watch traditional Zhongfan (banner-balancing) performances on the iconic stone bridge at the Lakeside Great Wall.

4. Border Patrol on the Wall

Interact with costumed Ming-Dynasty soldiers reenacting historical border patrols along the Great Wall trail.

5. Pipa Music on an Ancient-Style Boat

Enjoy pipa performances by musicians in traditional costumes on an ancient-style boat sailing across the serene waters of Haoming Lake.

6. Melodies on Haoming Lake

Marvel at guqin performances on the lakeside paired with pipa melodies from a cruise boat on Haoming Lake.

7. Traces of Harvest

Snap photos with trendy, harvest-themed installations in the core photo area.

8. Intangible Heritage Photo Spot

Celebrate traditions with photo opportunities featuring Hongmiao Village's intangible cultural heritage lanterns.

9. Guardians of an Ancient Chestnut Orchard

Meet chestnut-growing grannies in a century-old chestnut orchard and learn about their generations-old farming traditions.

Special Activities on September 19

Immersive Chinese-Style Tour + Interaction with Costumed Staff Workers

At three key spots—the Great Wall trail, the ancient chestnut orchard, and Haoming Lake—three groups of costumed staff will bring to life the history of Ming-Dynasty border defense along the Huanghua Route. The three cultural scenes are: guarding the historical border, farming chestnuts, and performing ancient music rituals, all against the dramatic backdrop of spectacular landscapes. The Great Wall trail patrol team, friendly chestnut-growing grannies, and the traditional musicians are all here to greet you.

"Yinpiao" Collection Campaign for "Little Farmers of Jiudu Chestnuts"

Pick up a harvest-themed collection card at the information desk at the main entrance, then visit all the "Nine Scenes" to collect "yinpiao" (event tokens designed to look like ancient banknotes). Once you have collected all nine tokens required, you can exchange them for gifts from the chestnut-growing grannies. Interacting with the three groups of costumed staff earns you the corresponding tokens.

Great Wall Light and Laser Show

After the symphony concert from 18:30 to 20:00, enjoy a light and laser show along the shore of Haoming Lake and in the cruise-boat area. Shimmering water and beams of light will interplay to create the visual effect looking like "a river of stars" at the foot of the Great Wall.

Regular Activities to Continue Through the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Holidays

During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, the specialty exhibition areas will remain open: the core cultural exhibition area centered on the local history of chestnut cultivation spanning nearly 1,000 years, the "Rural Artisans & ICH Arts Exhibition" (乡村工匠·非遗文艺) area, the "Yasen Grand Stage" (雅森大舞台) regular performance area, and the "Artisans and Beautiful Countryside & Local Harvest-Themed Cultural Market" (匠美乡村·乡土文创丰收市集). They will continue to open across four themed weeks: "Harvest Experience Week" (丰收体验周), "Mid-Autumn Chinese Culture Week" (中秋国风周), "Rural Aesthetic Education Week" (乡村美育周) and "National Day Holiday's Great Wall Week" (国庆长城周).

Tips

Dates: September 19–October 7

Location: Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall Scenic Area

During the holidays, come to the Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall to admire the autumn scenery, indulge in tasty chestnuts, and explore a market full of surprises!

(Source: WeChat account "Beijing Huairou")