Nantong's 2nd Castle Festival has launched as a spectacular cross-cultural celebration, uniting over 100 artists from 11 countries for 10 days of artistic exchange. This international extravaganza presents 32 acclaimed productions and 150+ performances and workshops, creating vibrant connections between young audiences and global traditions.

The festival stages remarkable cultural dialogues: Chinese puppet theater interacts with Armenian marionettes, while Peking Opera's comic roles converse with French physical clowning. These innovative pairings reveal both the universal language of performance and each tradition's unique character. Offstage, professional masterclasses and free family workshops ensure arts accessibility for all.

More than just performances, the event has evolved into a creative incubator. Through international partnerships, it fosters East-West co-productions, cross-border residencies, and study opportunities for emerging artists. What began as a performance platform is now cultivating the next generation of global creators through meaningful artistic exchange.