International Martial Arts Festival

September:

1. Dalian International Fashion Festival

Date: Early September
Place: Dalian, Liaoning Province

Activities: This is the largest and most influential international fashion culture and economy pageant in China that attracts guests and merchants from over 20 countries every year. During it, large evening parties, the Famous Fashion Designers' Works Show, the Chinese Youth Fashion Design Competition, the International Fashion Expo, together with many business discussions, and patrol performances are held.

After the attractive opening ceremony, the evening party is held on the square. Many famous stars attend and perform according to their skill. In the Famous Fashion Designers' Works Show, many world famous brands such as Balmain of France and Ermenegildo Zegna of Italy are shown. The characteristic Chinese Youth Fashion Design Competition always attracts young Chinese designers from different provinces. On the second day the patrol performance acted by the common people and is favored by the Dalian citizens, takes place. Not only famous designers can show their works, Dalian citizens also have a chance to display their self-made clothes on the ramp. This festival has become a carnival that greatly enriches people's lives and an event for people nationwide to take part in.

2. Xian Ancient Culture Art Festival

Xian people beat drum and gong to celebrate the Ancient Culture Art Festival

Date: September (lasting for 7 days)
Place: Xian, Shaanxi Province

Activities: Xian, as one of the four ancient civilization capitals in the world is a city full of unique cultural expressions. Xian Ancient Culture Art Festival is a large event to publicize the customs of Xian to the world people.

Rich and colorful activities are held. In the street, local dances such as Yangger are performed and the drum and gong are sounded thunderously to accompany the lion dances. Besides, large scale singing and dancing performances are held by famous players. The colorful history of Xian is displayed fully through the actors' outstanding performances. In the evenings, grand palace fireworks are displayed, making the sky sparkle with different colors to dazzle the visitors' eyes. The City Wall is full of activities during the evenings on which cockfights like in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and martial arts can be admired.

3. Zhengzhou International Shaolin Martial Arts Festival

Date: September
Place: Shaolin Temple, Zhengzhou, Henan Province

Activities: In the Zhengzhou International Shaolin Martial Festival, visitors can admire a range of marvelous Shaolin martial arts performances and matches. Martial arts lovers have a good chance to communicate with each other here. In addition, the majestic Yellow River can be cruised by the hovercraft. Photos, painting and calligraphy exhibitions are also held. Every year, the festivity attracts a lot of people all from all over the world. It also exhibits Chinese traditional martial arts before a wider audience.

Shaolin Martial Arts, Shaolin Temple

Confucius Temple, Qufu

4. Qufu International Confucius Culture Festival

Date: September 26 to October 10
Place: Qufu, Shandong Province

Activities: It is held mainly for commemorating Confucius (a great educator and thinker in the Spring and Autumn period (770BC-221BC). Because the 27th day of the eighth month is his birthday, a grand memorial ceremony is held in the hometown of Confucius - Qufu. The opening ceremony is characterized by the ancient sacrificing dances that attract many visitors. Many exhibitions such as calligraphy and the Cemetery of Confucius (Kong Lin) can be seen. In addition, visitors can tour in The Kong Family Mansion (Kong Fu) and Temple of Confucius (Kong Miao). The local marriage customs can also be seen and authentic Shandong cuisine can be tasted.

5. Zhangjiajie International Forest Festival

Zhangjiajie Scenic Area, Hunan

Date: September 18
Place: Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province

Activities: This first national forest park in China already has over 97% of its allotted area under trees. Besides the luxuriant forest, many national protected rare animals such as macaques and bears can also be seen. One can attend it as part of a planned tour of the forest. There is also the chance to drift along the river, participating in the International Mountaineering Festival and rock climbing competition.

6. Suzhou Silk Tourist Festival

Date: September 20 to 25
Place: Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Activities: Suzhou is a city with a long history of silk production. Indeed, it is known as the 'Silk Capital'. During the Suzhou Silk Tourist Festival, a silk clothes exhibition, a fashion performance accompanied by the notable symphony orchestra, and activities that are linked with the theme of silk are held every year to attract people from all over the world. Some famous scenic spots in Suzhou are also highlighted.
7. Shanghai Huangpu Tourist Festival

Date: September 21 to 27
Place: Shanghai

Activities: It is held to open the Shanghai customs to the people nationwide and abroad. On the opening ceremony, large floats present the folk customs of Shanghai. Concerts are held on the plaza. Tourist activities include an evening trip on the Huangpu River, and a visit to some characteristic Shanghai Scenic spots. Visitors flock to enjoy shopping for authentic goods or to savour delicious Shanghai foods.

Huangpu River Cruise, Shanghai

Three Gorges Cruise, Hubei

8. Hubei Three Gorges Art Festival

Date: September to October
Place: Yichang, Hubei Province

Activities: Hubei is a province that is characterized by the culture of Chu (one of the seven warring states before Qin (221BC - 206BC) in China's first feudal dynasty). During the Hubei Three Gorges Art Festival, diversified activities such as bronze bells playing, Tujia traditional dance and Three Gorges potteries are presented to visitors. Famous scenic spots are worth a visit such as the Three Gorges Dam Project, Gezhouba Water Conservancy Project, the Shennongjia Forest Zone and so on.