This year, the China Media Group Mid-Autumn Festival Gala is taking place in Shenyang. Located in the northeastern province of Liaoning, Shenyang has long been known as the center of China’s heavy industry and manufacturing. For years, Shenyang was known for its massive smokestacks and interlocking steel pipes. However, the city has recently undergone a remarkable transformation.
From an industrial center to an interesting cultural and artistic center
As mentioned above, Shenyang’s economy has historically been heavily dependent on heavy industry, such as steel, machinery and automobile production. However, today, due to various economic challenges and the need to modernize its traditional industrial structure, the city has been pushing towards a transition to more diversified industries. These include sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, green energy and services.
Beyond its economic structure, Shenyang has undergone a major urban renewal in order to revitalize its image. For this reason, many of the old factories and industrial areas were remodeled or demolished. Today, in their place we can find parks, modern residential areas and shopping malls. This radical transformation has contributed to improving the quality of life of residents and attracting investment and tourists.
In this regard, a key aspect of the transformation of this former industrial city has been its focus on local culture and creativity. Among its most notable renovation works is the government’s effort to encourage the development of artistic zones and creative districts, where art galleries, studios and innovation spaces combine. These areas are helping to redefine Shenyang’s image as a dynamic cultural destination.
About the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala
The Mid-Autumn Festival Gala is a televised celebration organized by China Media Group on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Moon Festival), one of the most important traditional holidays in China and other Asian countries such as Vietnam, South Korea and Japan.
This event, which has a history of more than 3,000 years, is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest phase. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls between September and October. This is a time when citizens customarily give thanks for the harvest, pray for prosperity, and gather with family and loved ones.
The festival celebrates the fullness of the moon, which is considered a symbol of reunion, harmony and family unity in Chinese culture. It is also associated with the legend of Chang’e, the goddess who lives in the moon, who is a central figure in many stories related to these holidays. In addition to harvest traditions, the festival honors the moonlight as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
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A celebration of unity, culture and tradition
A series of meaningful cultural and family activities take place during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Those who attend have the opportunity to enrich their knowledge and relationship with Chinese culture through this charming celebration.
A fundamental aspect of these dates is the family reunion. Families gather to contemplate the full moon, which symbolizes unity and completeness in Chinese tradition.
On the other hand, one of the most popular customs is the consumption of mooncakes (Yuebing). These are delicious morsels that have a history of centuries in Chinese tradition. The cakes, round in shape and with elaborate designs, represent the moon and family unity, becoming an iconic symbol of the holiday.
Among the most impressive and wonderful activities are the displays of colorful lanterns, whose brightness is especially intense in cities such as Hong Kong and Taiwan. There, children often carry decorative lanterns with them through the streets, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
In addition, traditional lion or dragon dances, although more common during Chinese New Year, can also be seen in some regions during the Mid-Autumn Festival, adding a vibrant energy to the event.
The festival is also a time for poetry contests. This is a long-standing tradition during this time, where people read or write poems inspired by the moon and autumn.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/cultura/educacion/2024/09/15/encanto-shenyang-antigua-ciudad-acero-china/
