Launched in 2008, the China International Youth Arts Festival (CIYAF) stands out as China's first government-led, large-scale multilateral cultural exchange initiative designed by and for young people. Recognized as a key global youth cultural exchange program under China's cultural development plan for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the festival has successfully staged 17 vibrant editions to date.

Guided by Bauhinia Culture Group and co-hosted by China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG) together with local municipal governments and cultural tourism authorities, CIYAF has evolved into a dynamic bridge connecting emerging artists from China and around the world.

Running annually from May through October, the festival takes Beijing as its flagship host city—while extending its creative energy to satellite venues including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, Tianjin and beyond. Over the years, tens of thousands of young artists and cultural participants have taken part, transforming CIYAF into more than just a series of performances; it is a vital platform for international youth dialogue.

Each season, CIYAF invites a diverse lineup of young international artists to gather across China for an immersive cultural journey. Programming spans from music and operas to dance and theater. Blending "technology + culture" with reimagined traditional art forms, the festival not only presents the richness of world cultures but also sparks new creative fusions among the next generation.