Tradition meets anime fandom at culture festival

An ACG-themed lantern festival is taking place this weekend. Centered on the Half Marathon Suhe Cultural Park, the festival blends traditional Chinese culture with contemporary anime fandom.

An outdoor event of the 20th CCG EXPO (China International Comics & Games Expo,) will feature stage performances from July 25 to 27.

A unique "Armor Battle" will showcase teams in traditional-meets-modern armor, demonstrating ancient martial arts and cultural heritage. On the main stage, a national style band will reinterpret anime music using traditional instruments, while hanfu fashion shows will highlight the beauty of Chinese clothing.

A creative market is hosting more than 50 vendors offering hanfu, cultural creations, and traditional crafts. Interactive activities such as touhu (pitch-pot) games and shadow puppetry will entertain visitors.

The river itself will become a canvas with anime-themed Suzhou Creek cruise boats sailing daily between Changfeng Park wharf and Waitanyuan wharf. Four daily departures will offer 90-minute voyages, passing landmarks such as the Wuning Road Bridge and M50 waterfront.

Through July 27, themed boat cruises will connect cultural landmarks, offering experiences including music and pet-friendly trips, as well as the heritage of different cities, including Nanjing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, Zhenjiang, Nantong and Taizhou.

The vibrant fusion forms part of the larger 5th "Half Marathon Suhe" Culture and Tourism Festival running until October 6.

If you go

Main events: July 25-27

Venue: Half Marathon Suhe Cultural Park 半马苏河公园

Address: 6 Guangfu Rd W. 光复西路6号

Theme boats: Daily sailings (July 18-27). Boarding: Changfeng Park wharf and Waitanyuan wharf

Art displays: Through July 27, Half Marathon Suhe Cultural Park