Nestled where the Jinsha, Minjiang, and Yangtze rivers meet, Yibin—the vibrant southwestern city in Sichuan Province—is stepping into the national spotlight as a 2026 Spring Festival Gala sub-venue. Known as the Yangtze River’s "first city," Yibin combines ancient trade-route heritage with modern energy, offering a cultural feast as dynamic as its waterways. 🌏🏮
Where Rivers and Culture Converge
For centuries, Yibin has thrived as a Southern Silk Road hub. Today, its historic temples, winding old streets, and lush landscapes like White Tower Mountain and the Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea attract travelers and history buffs alike. Locals joke that the city’s heartbeat syncs with the rhythm of the Yangtze—always flowing, always evolving. 🎋✨
A Modern Stage for Timeless Traditions
This year’s Spring Festival Gala will spotlight Yibin’s unique blend of river-port vitality and cultural legacy. From fiery Sichuan opera performances to bamboo-inspired art installations, the city aims to showcase how tradition and innovation coexist. "It’s like our rivers," says resident Li Wei, 28. "They carry stories from the past but keep surging toward new horizons."
Why Yibin Matters Now
As young professionals and entrepreneurs flock to Sichuan’s growing tech hubs, Yibin remains a cultural anchor. Its designation as a Gala sub-venue underscores China’s push to celebrate regional diversity while connecting communities nationwide. Pro tip for travelers: Don’t miss the Bamboo Sea’s emerald-green trails—they’re straight out of a wuxia film! 🎍📸
Tune in to the Spring Festival Gala later this February to see Yibin’s grand debut—where history isn’t just preserved; it’s performed.
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Live: Yibin – The first city of the Yangtze River in SW China
cgtn.com





