The second batch of exemplary cases showcasing high-quality public cultural service development has been released, with Guiyang Roadside Concert selected for its innovative approach to using culture as a vehicle for public benefit and building a public cultural brand for the city.

A Guiyang Roadside Concert held in Guiyang's Wenchang Pavilion attracts many visitors. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

This selection marks official recognition from the national authorities of Guiyang's innovative cultural practices and its upgraded public cultural services, cementing Guiyang Roadside Concert's status as a national benchmark in public cultural service development.

Since its inception, the Guiyang Roadside Concert has remained committed to its core principles of being open to all, free of charge, and accessible to everyone – breaking down traditional theater barriers and delivering cultural performances straight to residents' doorsteps.

The initiative adopts a "main venue in the city center + branch venues in each district" model, with year-round programming across the city. Over the past three years, more than 700 performances have been held, including 76 special events in the first half of this year alone.

With no thresholds or identity restrictions, local bands, amateur singers, students, retired residents, and even visually impaired musicians have taken the stage in turn. Over 70,000 ordinary people have had the opportunity to realize their dreams of performing.

The concerts feature a diverse repertoire blending ethnic folk songs, pop hits, original Guizhou-style music, and film soundtracks, with seasonal themes related to Spring Festival, cherry blossom season, summer tourism, and cultural tourism events – catering to the cultural needs of both young and older audiences.

The concerts are free and no reservations are needed, enabling residents to experience quality performances within their "15-minute community life circle." Whether after work or during an evening walk, these events make cultural services genuinely accessible and equitable for everyone.

Utilizing Guiyang's pleasant summer climate averaging 22.3 C, the concerts have helped build the city's urban IP – "Cool Guiyang: City of Music" – drawing domestic and international tourists, including young visitors from abroad, and serving as a lively emblem of Guiyang's cultural exchange.

Moving forward, Guiyang will build on this achievement to further develop the concert as a distinctive cultural brand. Plans include expanding performance venues in both urban and rural areas, hosting more special showcases featuring ethnic music, incubating local original musicians, and deepening cross-regional cultural collaboration.

The goal is to refine a public cultural service system so that it becomes more inclusive, precise, and accessible, enabling more people to enjoy high-quality cultural experiences nearby, and allowing culture to fuel the high-quality development of "Cool Guiyang".