Grand Canal Culture, Art Festival kicks off in SND

The 2023 Suzhou New District Grand Canal Culture and Art Festival kicks off in Xushuguan town on June 9. [Photo/WeChat account: snd-szgxqfb]

The 2023 Suzhou New District Grand Canal Culture and Art Festival kicked off on Canli Block in Xushuguan town, SND, on June 9.

The art festival is a part of the fifth China Suzhou Jiangnan Culture and International Tourism Festival.

Performances highlighting the Jiangnan region style were staged at the opening ceremony, which also saw the official launch of the first Grand Canal-themed art space in Suzhou, which is expected to promote the protection and vitalization of local bridges and the establishment of the Suzhou Grand Canal Art Creation Practice Base.

The first Grand Canal-themed art space in Suzhou. [Photo/WeChat account: snd-szgxqfb]

A think tank for cultural and tourism innovation was also established at the ceremony to explore a new development model for the culture and tourism industries.

Intangible cultural heritage-themed bazaars and immersive roadshows were also held at the opening ceremony.

The festival, themed on literary creation, intangible cultural heritage protection, and Grand Canal literature, will feature more than 100 activities, including exhibitions, lectures, intangible cultural heritage activities, performances, forums, and sports competitions.

Renowned artists from Jiangsu and other provinces will be invited to SND to carry out artistic research, showcase their artworks, and give lectures.