Splendid China to hold Chinese cultural fun festival

Performers dressed in the costumes of China’s 56 ethnic groups present an impressive drum show at Splendid China. Courtesy of Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages.

Performers dressed in the costumes of China’s 56 ethnic groups presented an impressive drum show in the main square of the Splendid China • China Folk Culture Villages theme park in Nanshan District yesterday morning. This event served as a warm-up for the upcoming Chinese Cultural Fun Festival, which will take place at the theme park from October 1 to November 17.

Kicking off on the first day of the seven-day National Day holiday, the festival aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and self-confidence of the Chinese nation. From October 1 to 7, a troupe specializing in Jiangzhou drum music will perform daily, featuring eight drum performances. 

A view of the newly opened themed area designed for tourists seeking photo opportunities with exquisite traditional Chinese clothes and makeup.

Jiangzhou drum music, also known as Jiangzhou bass drum music, is a popular ensemble of Chinese wind and percussion instruments originating from Jiangzhou County in Shanxi Province. The name reflects its historical roots, as Jiangzhou was the former name of Xinjiang County. This genre utilizes flower beating as its primary form of expression, accompanied by a variety of instruments, including boards and gongs. Its performance techniques encompass over ten distinct styles, such as heart beating, side beating, rubbing, and head drum beating.

Additionally, more than 70 Chinese cultural performances — including the elephant-foot drum of the Dai ethnic group, wooden drum of the Wa ethnic group, and tiger drum of the Hani ethnic group — will be featured in the theme park every day at 5 p.m. from October 8 to November 17.

Visitors can also explore seven new immersive theme zones at Splendid China, such as the Splendid China West Market for tourists seeking photo opportunities with exquisite traditional Chinese clothes and makeup and the Ancient Tea Horse Road interactive zone.

During the festival, a variety of ticket options will be available. Nighttime tickets for entry after 5 p.m. are priced at 69 yuan (US$9.8) , early-bird full-day tickets are available at 168 yuan, and a two-person full-day ticket will be offered at 299 yuan.