Chongqing - On December 18, 2025, the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street in central Chongqing was transformed into a vibrant, open-air stage this afternoon for the "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade. The event, a highlight of cultural dissemination following the 14th China Art Festival, featured four spectacular floats artistically constructed from over 100,000 colorful balloons.
The "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade. (Photo/CQNews)
Organized by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, the parade showcased the prowess of the city's premier performing arts troupes, including the Chongqing Ballet, Chongqing Quyi Troupe, Chongqing Sichuan Opera Theatre, and Chongqing Acrobatic Troupe. More than 120 performers delivered a dynamic mix of dance, opera, music, and acrobatics directly to the public.
A Moving Carnival of Performance
The parade, which looped around the iconic Liberation Monument (Jiefangbei), was designed as a "rolling artistic corridor". Each giant balloon float represented a different art form: dance, Chinese opera, music, and acrobatics.
The "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade. (Photo/CQNews)
"Even when the floats paused, the performances never stopped. There was something wonderful at every step," observed one attendee, capturing the event's continuous energy. The 1st float featured ballet and street dance by Chongqing Ballet, while the 2nd float presented the dazzling face-changing acts of Sichuan Opera. The 3rd float offered musical performances, and the 4th culminated with impressive acrobatics and magic tricks that drew roaring applause from the crowd.
Art Meets the Public: Delight and Pride
The event successfully bridged the gap between high art and daily life, drawing enthusiastic reactions from residents and visitors alike.
The "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade. (Photo/CQNews)
"It's my first time seeing such a high-level performance right on the street for free. My daughter was mesmerized, especially by the ballet and magic," said a mother surnamed Li, who watched with her child.
For long-time residents, the event signaled a cultural evolution. "I've lived near Jiefangbei for decades," said Mr. Zhang, a senior local, while recording the scene on his phone. "I've seen many events, but this is the first time combining Sichuan opera, acrobatics, and modern dance on the pedestrian street with such beautiful balloon art. Chongqing is truly cultivating a richer cultural atmosphere".
The "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade. (Photo/CQNews)
Tourists also found unexpected value. "We just came to see the Liberation Monument, but stumbled upon this fantastic parade. The balloon floats are incredibly creative, and the performances are professional. It's a wonderful bonus to our trip," said Mr. Zhou, a visitor from Chengdu.
A Vision for Accessible Culture
Chief Director Chen Tao, who is also the head of the Chongqing Acrobatic Troupe, explained the vision behind the unique balloon floats. "We handcrafted the four thematic floats using 100,000 balloons," said Chen. "Staging this in the heart of the city at Jiefangbei is our way of showcasing the strength and confidence of Chongqing's professional troupes in the most intimate and lively manner. It's a platform to share this city's unique regional culture and artistic charm".
The "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade. (Photo/CQNews)
The "Chongqing Gathering, Art Together" parade is more than a visual and auditory feast; it represents a warm dialogue between art and the public. The event is scheduled to repeat on December 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, offering another opportunity for the public to experience this infusion of art into urban life.