Events in Chongqing

Chongqing Dianjiang Peony Cultural Festival

Chongqing Dianjiang Peony Cultural Festival has been held annually in March since 2000 in Dianjiang county, Chongqing, attracting a growing number of visitors from home and abroad.

Dianjiang county is famed as the “hometown of peony flowers” where there is scale peony planting with many unique varieties to be seen.

Hosted by the county government, the festival usually lasts for two months. In addition, a series of cultural activities and performances themed on peonies are organized.

Wushan Mountain International Maple Leaf Festival

Wushan Mountain International Maple Leaf Festival has been held every November since 2007. Wushan Mountain is a scenic spot of the Three Gorges along the Yangtze River in Southwest China’s Chongqing municipality. The festival showcases local culture and tourism features to domestic and international tourists.

During the festival, various themed activities take place, including an opening ceremony, sports and photography competitions, cultural forums, a food festival and sightseeing promotions.

According to the Chongqing Culture and Tourism Development Committee, during the last maple leaf festival from Nov 16 to Dec 31, 2018, 425,000 tourists visited Wushan Mountain, generating revenue of 180 million yuan ($26.8 million).

Colorful Rice Festival

The first Colorful Rice Festival opened in Dazu district, Chongqing, on Nov 16, 2018. Tourists could not only enjoy colorful rice fields but also visit a popular science exhibition about hybrid rice.

Dazu district with 667 hectares of high-yield rice enjoys a long history of rice planting. And the 200-mu of colorful rice fields (purple, red, yellow, green and white) are located in Shiwan town in the district.

China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival

China Yangtze River Three Gorges International Tourism Festival is a major celebration co-hosted by the Chongqing People’s Government and Hubei People’s Provincial Government. The festival, which has been held nine times in Chongqing and Hubei in turn, has been rated a national-famous tourism festival brand.

The ninth festival was held in Wanzhou district, Chongqing, as well as sub-venues in some towns and counties along the Yangtze River, from July 26 to the end of November, 2018.

Chongqing International Marathon

Started in 2011, Chongqing International Marathon was the first event of its kind in the western part of China. It is also an Olympic trial event and part of the national marathon championships.

The activity is hosted by the Chinese Athletic Association and Chongqing People’s Government, and organized by the sports bureau of Chongqing.

With the theme of “running along the mother river of Yangtze River”, Chongqing International Marathon is held annually in mid-to-late March.

The event consists of a full marathon (42.2 kilometers), half-marathon (21.1 km) and mini-marathon (5 km). The high-standard event attracts the participation of professional and amateur athletes from home and abroad.

The 2019 Chongqing International Marathon will be held on March 31.

For more information, you may refer to the official website: https://www.cqmarathon.com/

High Heels Running

The High Heels Running event is held annually in Meixin Hongjiu Town, Fuling district, Chongqing. The competition requires every participator to wear high heels with a height of 7 centimeters or more and a diameter of 2 cm or less to complete the 70-meter sprint.

The fifth event was held from Nov 2 to 4, 2018. Unlike previous competitions, this was a women only event. Women from 18 to 50 years old could apply to participate.

Fairy Mountain International Music Season

Fairy Mountain International Music Season is one of the most influential music galas in Southwest China and a must-visit carnival for both music fans and tourists in summer. Famous domestic and foreign singers and bands will be invited to perform at the event, which is held every summer.

Wulong Fairy Mountain, as a national 5A tourist attraction, is a recommended summer heat-escaping resort. Visitors can watch outdoor films, enjoy local typical barbecues, and camp during the music season.

Chongqing Hotpot Culture Festival

The Chongqing Hotpot Culture Festival has been held 10 times since 2004. Approved by the Ministry of Commerce, the festival has been an influential event in the hotpot industry, attracting the participation of leading relevant firms, scholars, and experts across the nation.

Chongqing hotpot, renowned for its spicy flavor, is one important cultural symbol of the city. It is a must do for every visitor to try hotpot when visiting Chongqing. It originated in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Tongnan Rape Flower Festival

The Tongnan Rape Flower Festival has been held annually since 2008 in Tongnan district, southwest China’s Chongqing municipality. The 12th Tongnan Rape Flower Festival opened on March 1, 2019.

Located in middle of the Sichuan Basin and the northwestern part of Chongqing, Tongnan district has been famed as “the hometown of rape flowers” in China since ancient times. In 2009, Tongnan was named one of most beautiful rape flower fields in China, and in 2010, it was listed among the top 10 spring tourism destinations in Chongqing.

A series of activities will also be organized during the festival. The festival attracts numerous tourists every year and drives local tourism development in return.

Chongqing People Beneficial Cultural and Tourism Consumption Season

Initially started in 2016, the Chongqing People Beneficial Cultural and Tourism Consumption Season takes place annually across districts and counties in Chongqing and usually lasts for several months, featuring a series of themed activities, including book exhibitions, film screening, art work auditions, and cultural performances.

With a long history spanning more than 3,000 years, Chongqing has a profound culture with its own distinct characteristics, highlighting a kind of brave and tenacious spirit. The event is held to enrich local residents’ lives by providing more beneficial creative products and cultural experience opportunities.

Chongqing Agritourism and Leisure Festival

The Chongqing Agritourism and Leisure Festival is a key brand festival that the local government pays great attention to. The event integrates rural tourism with entertainment activities, attracting numerous tourists and residents every year.

The eighth Chongqing Agritourism and Leisure Festival took place on May 18, 2018. At the same time, a barbecue festival was held accompanying the festival, adding more fun for visitors. A 100-people delegation composed of representatives from the provinces of Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Shandong attended the festival.