Nantong will host a three-day Mid-Autumn Festival celebration from Sept 25 to 27, offering a mix of poetry, music, traditional opera, lanterns, folk crafts and book-themed activities at the Nantong Eminent Figures Museum and along the Haohe River.

Performances and lanterns

A Mid-Autumn poetry recital will be held on Sept 26 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the central stage of the Nantong Eminent Figures Museum. Artists from Jiangsu province and Nantong will perform guqin music, a traditional water-sleeve dance and some poetry readings.

A concert featuring golden oldies will kick off the celebration on Sept 25 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the same venue, with a live band accompanying singers in a tribute to shared memories and reunion.

On Sept 26 from 6:30 pm to 9 pm, a lantern festival will unfold along the Haohe River. Opera performers will sing classic excerpts from decorated boats, while visitors can write wishes on river lanterns and set them adrift, creating a scene of flickering lights on the water.

Crafts, costumes and folk traditions

Intangible cultural heritage workshops will be held on Sept 25 and 26 at the west wing of the first floor of Chengnan Villa. Sessions on Nantong paper-cutting (2 pm–3 pm) and Nantong lantern-making (3:30 pm–4:30 pm) will be led by the respective inheritors of the crafts. Participants can take home their own creations. Online reservations are required.

A traditional Chinese costume photo experience will run daily from 10 am to 5 pm from Sept 25 to 27, with three themed settings inspired by the different dynasties in ancient times. Professional styling and period costumes will be available, with the courtyards and riverside views offering abundant backdrops.

Along the Haohe River, a folk culture fair will operate daily from 3 pm to 9 pm from Sept 25 to 27, featuring traditional games, photo spots and a market of cultural products and snacks. On Sept 26, visitors can also make festival lanterns, taste Yisheng liquor and watch shadow puppet performances.

Book fair and reading

A book fair will be held daily from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm from Sept 25 to 27 at the central square of the Nantong Eminent Figures Museum. The event encourages book exchanges, donations and sales, alongside immersive reading challenges and interactive role-play activities.