Bavarian beer, German cuisine and live music will arrive in Guangzhou this autumn, offering a glimpse of how the southern Chinese city continues to embrace international cultural experiences. The 18th Guangzhou Oktoberfest, scheduled for Oct. 9 to Oct. 11, will be held at the China Hotel. The festival has become one of the city's recurring events featuring German culture.
Oktoberfest originated in Munich in 1810 as a celebration for the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. The royal festivities gradually evolved into a large public celebration featuring music, food, dancing and beer, eventually becoming the Oktoberfest of today and an important symbol of Bavarian culture.
Rather than simply recreating a traditional German beer festival, the event will bring together Bavarian traditions and elements of contemporary Guangzhou. German band SAKRISCH GUAT will perform traditional beer-festival music alongside popular Chinese songs, with German dishes, modern drinks and interactive activities on offer as well.
The choice of venue also reflects this blend of cultures. The festival will be held at the China Hotel's Crystal Ballroom, a 1,200-square-meter space inspired by the kapok flower, the official flower of Guangzhou. German cultural elements will thus be presented within a distinctly Guangzhou setting.
For a city with a long history of international exchange, such cultural encounters are part of Guangzhou's broader urban identity. Located at the northern end of the Pearl River Delta, Guangzhou has been a major trading port for centuries. Its historic role as a gateway between China and the outside world has left a visible mark on the city's food, architecture and everyday culture. Today, that tradition continues in new forms, from international cultural festivals to exhibitions, performances and food events.
The festival will also be showcased at the 2026 China (Guangdong) International Tourism Industry Expo from Sept. 11 to Sept. 13, where visitors can sample German cuisine and beer ahead of the main event in October.
For Guangzhou's tourism sector, international cultural events like this offer another way to enrich the city's visitor experience. Beyond its historic landmarks and renowned Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou is increasingly presenting itself as a city where visitors can encounter different cultures while experiencing the character of southern China.
Event Information
Date: Oct. 9 to Oct. 11, 2026, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, 2/F, China Hotel, Guangzhou
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Photos | Li Fangwang
Poster | China Hotel
