National Prestige & Scale
- National-level tourism festival: held annually since 1989, across 34 editions.
- Awarded as China’s Most Influential International Tourism Festival.
- Integrates culture, tourism, economy, and trade.
- Record international participation: last edition welcomed groups from 18 countries (123 groups).
Core Exchange Activities
- High-level dialogues: sister-city and sister-school meetings.
- Economic cooperation: international trade talks and visits to import/export enterprises (including signing ceremonies).
- Education & institutional visits: Chinese primary/secondary schools and universities (with signing ceremonies; by application).
- Cultural performances: official gala, student cultural competitions, and international art exhibitions.
- Professional tourism: China/foreign tourism promotion events and Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness day.
Unique Cultural Experiences
- Acacia experience: stroll the 400m “Acacia Welcome Avenue”.
- Culinary feast: six five-star hotels jointly launch the “Acacia Banquet”, infusing dishes with acacia elements.
- Student activities: exchange socials, rehearsals guided by renowned experts, and international bonfire night.
- Art showcases: Japanese taiko, Russian fashion shows, and more international teams.
Mentor-led Program Guidance
- Dalian University of Foreign Languages (Music College): music, dance, body movement, language.
- Dalian Medical University (International College): language, photography.
- Dalian University (Music College): fine arts, broadcasting, singing.
- Dalian Art College: modeling, Chinese classical dance.
FAQ
About schedule, venues, activities, participation, and travel
It’s an annual event, typically in May. The whole city is filled with the fragrance of acacia blossoms.
- The 34th festival: May 17–23, 2025.
- The upcoming 35th festival (2026) is planned for May, lasting 5–7 days.
In Dalian. The main venue of the 34th edition was the Donggang Music Fountain Square, with fountain shows and stunning building light shows for an immersive experience. Sub-venues are set across districts and counties, creating a city-wide celebration.
A comprehensive event combining culture, tourism, and trade. Typically 8 sections and 60+ activities.
- Cultural performances: e.g., Portugal’s Evora University Sax Quartet, Japanese taiko, Korean flower dance, Russian fashion shows.
- Acacia-themed experiences: a 400m “Acacia Welcome Avenue”, creative arts exhibition, and about 130 acacia-derived products (honey, essential oils, cultural crafts). Six five-star hotels present a “Acacia Banquet”.
- Public &tourism activities: seniors’ arts week performances, acacia blossom hiking, “Most Beautiful Acacia Viewing Spots” selection, and a guide to 15 excellent viewing locations.
- Trade & cooperation events: international cultural exchange and trade fairs, and sector matchmaking across culture, sports, tourism, and commerce.
- Cultural competitions: the 35th edition adds overseas student talent competitions, with honorary certificates for winners.
Student group showcases receive venue support and guidance from leading universities. Supported by the Dalian Education Bureau and Culture & Tourism Bureau. Winners receive honorary certificates issued in the name of the Dalian Municipal Government.
Please see the application details on the signup page. Application details
Costs vary by group. Please refer to the signup page for details. Application details
International student exchange groups typically arrive via either Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport or Shenyang Taoxian International Airport.