Chongqing - A new Friday concert series, “A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road,” debuted on July 10, delivering an immersive musical experience set against the glittering skyline at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.

A new Friday concert series, “A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road,” debuted on July 10. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Built on the success of the Saturday symphony concerts—which have run for 28 weeks, performed more than 130 Chinese and international works, and generated over 60 million online views—the Friday edition offers a more accessible format. It blends orchestral, pop, and folk music, appealing to a broader audience. The new series also complements Saturday’s “Dynamic Chongqing” (Xinyun Chongqing) drone light show, creating a dual-core nighttime tourism draw: riverside concerts on Fridays and aerial spectacles on Saturdays.

A Fusion of Classic Art and Local Culture

The debut program featured 13 works across five segments: “Classic Folk,” “Pop Hits,” “Multicultural World,” “Classical Arias,” and “East-West Fusion.” Unlike the indoor symphony concerts, which leaned heavily toward classical repertoire, the outdoor edition expanded its scope to include opera arias, folk tunes, and pop numbers. The Chongqing Symphony Orchestra performed alongside electronic musicians, creating a contemporary vibe that resonated with audiences of all ages.

A new Friday concert series, “A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road,” debuted on July 10. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Local flavor remains the series’ most distinctive hallmark. All regular performances will deeply incorporate Chongqing artists, works, and musical traditions. The debut opened with the orchestral piece Lights of China, followed by beloved local songs such as Songs of the Three Gorges. Organizers highlighted three key innovations: a professional yet contemporary program featuring both orchestral and electronic music; the subtle integration of local elements such as Sichuan opera, acrobatics, and the Tongliang dragon dance—a national intangible cultural heritage; and an open platform for emerging talent, with dedicated slots for debut performances and amateur showcases.

An acrobatic performance at "A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road." (Photo/DENG Nan)

Voices from the Stage and Audience

For Zhou Qiang, a Chongqing-born tenor from the China Conservatory of Music, returning to his hometown stage was an emotional homecoming. “I’ve been away for 40 years, and my hometown changes so much that I almost got lost,” he said. “Chongqing may seem far away, but it’s actually not. It’s an open and inclusive city that welcomes every visitor.”

Zhou Qiang performed at "A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road." (Photo/DENG Nan)

Lei Yuxiao, a member of CKG48—the southwest flagship sister group of SNH48 GROUP—brought youthful energy to the stage with their song New Route. “Chongqing is a city full of hotpot flavor, warm and hospitable,” she said. “During our performance, we could clearly feel the atmosphere was electric, and the audience interaction was excellent. As a girl group with Chongqing elements, we hope to add color to our city’s culture.”

CKG48 performed at "A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road." (Photo/Nan'an Media Center)

Moroccan audience member Bouthaina was equally impressed. “I heard about this concert from a friend. It was a wonderful performance, and I’m so glad I came,” she said. “Given the hot weather outdoors, I was surprised the musicians could still deliver such near-perfect vocal performances—it completely exceeded my expectations.”

"A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road" drew an audience of about 600. (Photo/DENG Nan)

Building a Cultural Ecosystem

The project aims to boost tourism and local commerce by collaborating with the nearby Changjiahui and Danzishi Old Street shopping districts. A music-themed market will feature intangible cultural heritage crafts and street performances, creating an integrated “show + night tour + shopping” experience. All performances will be live-streamed across multiple platforms, sharing Chongqing’s cultural voice with audiences nationwide and beyond.

Looking ahead, “A Concert Night in Chongqing” will evolve into a three-tiered system: the Saturday symphony for international cultural exchanges, the Friday Nanbin Concert for immersive public experiences, and a planned “Grassroots Stage” that will allow any citizen to apply for a performance slot, with standout acts earning a chance to appear on the main Friday stage. The three segments will share resources and complement each other, continuously expanding the city’s quality cultural offerings.

A new Friday concert series, “A Concert Night in Chongqing on Nanbin Road,” debuted on July 10. (Photo/DENG Nan)

As the concert’s director, Zhang Cheng, revealed: “We’ll be here every week, changing the format about every half month. We have planned music theater nights, film music nights, and even themes featuring the 12 western provinces and cities, so that visitors from all over can come and experience them.”