Held at the Taihu Stage Art Centre (台湖舞美艺术中心) in Beijing's Tongzhou district, the Taihu Jazz Festival has become one of the city's leading annual music events. Since its debut in 2021, the festival has grown into a major annual celebration of jazz, bringing together internationally acclaimed musicians, leading Chinese artists, and diverse artistic experiences. It is an ideal holiday outing for both jazz lovers and casual visitors in late spring.
Unlike most music festivals, the Taihu Jazz Festival takes place within the National Centre for the Performing Arts' Taihu Stage Art Centre, where rehearsal studios, production workshops, warehouses, and theaters are transformed into performance spaces.
When to enjoy the festival
The festival typically lasts for six days during the May Day holiday (April 30-May 5). The festival grounds usually open in the early afternoon. You can spend half a day wandering, listening to music, and relaxing. You can also arrive at dusk to enjoy evening concerts and light shows.
Things you can experience at Taihu Jazz Festival
1. Enjoy jazz performances from around the world
Each day features a different lineup and theme, with artists from around the world performing jazz, fusion, improvisation, jazz film, and cross-genre collaborations.
2. Explore multiple performance stages
Performances take place across multiple indoor and outdoor stages, ranging from the Taihu Theatre and Open-Air Theatre to smaller venues designed for intimate concerts, workshops, and experimental performances.
3. Experience art and technology
Beyond live music, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive activities, including VR experiences, robot performances, dance therapy sessions, and evening light shows.
4. Stroll through the flower fields
During the festival, fields of blossoming rapeseed flowers near the venue create a picturesque backdrop for photos. Together with the festival's vintage stage designs, they offer a memorable visual experience.
5. Visit the festival market
Browse the festival's market, where you can sample local specialties, shop for cultural and creative products, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Ticket info
• Tickets for indoor performances can be purchased through the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA, 国家大剧院) website, WeChat mini program, or mobile app.
• Admission to the festival ground — Taihu Stage Art Centre — is free by scanning a QR code at the entrance to register. You can enjoy free outdoor performances and visit the Taihu Stage Art Museum for free.
Travel tips
• Evenings can be cool, so bring a light jacket.
• Children over 1.2 meters tall require tickets to enter the indoor and open-air theaters, while children under 1.2 m are not permitted in these performance venues. Families with young children can enjoy the outdoor flower fields, market, and other open-air activities.
• During the festival, complimentary shuttle buses are usually available from nearby metro stations, including Wansheng East (万盛东) Station (Exit D) on Line 7 and Ciqu (次渠) Station (Exit F) on Line 17, providing direct service to the venue.
• You can also take a taxi or drive to Taihu Stage Art Centre. Free parking is available, although spaces fill up quickly during public holidays. Public transportation is recommended.
