Beijing International Canal Arts Fest 2026: free Tongzhou guide

Beijing’s 4th International Canal Arts Fest runs from 24 to 27 September 2026 at Canal Culture Square in Tongzhou. The free Mid-Autumn holiday event brings together 14 performing groups from 13 countries, 70 Chinese and international artists, 22 performances and more than 60 food, culture and heritage stalls. It runs daily from 11:00 to 20:00.

For international residents looking for a genuinely cross-cultural event rather than another generic holiday attraction, this is one of Beijing’s strongest options this week.

Beijing International Canal Arts Fest 2026 at a glance

• Dates: 24–27 September 2026
• Hours: 11:00–20:00 daily
• Venue: Canal Culture Square, Tongzhou, Beijing
• Admission: Free
• Programme: 22 performances by 14 groups from 13 countries
• Artists: 70 Chinese and international performers
• Market: More than 60 food, cultural, creative and heritage stalls
• Nearest metro: Tongyunmen Station on Line 6

Why the festival is worth the trip to Tongzhou

The strongest reason to go is the international mix. Beijing’s municipal government says the programme brings together groups from 13 countries with canal heritage, using music and performance as a link between different cultures.

The festival is also designed as more than a stage programme. Visitors can browse food stalls, cultural and creative products, intangible cultural heritage experiences, games and other activities around the Grand Canal setting.

That makes it particularly suitable for international families, newcomers to Beijing and residents who want a relaxed way to experience the Mid-Autumn holiday without committing to a ticketed show.

What is confirmed

The official Beijing announcement confirms 22 performances, 14 performing groups and 70 Chinese and international artists. It does not, however, publish a complete English-language timetable for every individual performance. Babylon therefore recommends checking the official event information again before travelling if you are going specifically to see one act.

The event is free to enter. No general admission ticket or advance booking requirement is listed in the official notice.

How to get there

The simplest public-transport option is Metro Line 6 to Tongyunmen Station, followed by a walk to Canal Culture Square. Bus passengers can use Tongzhou Dongguan or Dongguan Daqiao stops.

Public transport is likely to be the easiest choice during the Mid-Autumn holiday, when leisure traffic can be heavier than usual.

Who will enjoy it most?

This is a strong choice for international residents who enjoy live music, dance, food, heritage and multicultural events. It is also useful for families because admission is free and the programme combines performances with market and activity areas rather than requiring visitors to sit through a single long event.

If you are still finding your rhythm in the country, Babylon’s guide to living in China as an expat and making weekends feel more local has more ideas for moving beyond the standard tourist circuit.

Official source

Dates, venue, opening hours, admission and programme figures were verified against the Beijing Municipal Government’s official festival announcement, sourced from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.

Last verified by Babylon: 21 September 2026. Event details can change, so check the official source before travelling.

Featured image: Trương Tuyết Ly / Unsplash.