In early winter, the reed marshes of Junshan Island in Yueyang City reach their peak viewing season, with white reed flowers swaying in the breeze. The Third Dongting Lake International Reed Art Festival commenced on December 6, 2025, and is now underway. Fifteen uniquely crafted reed art installations are on display at the event, presenting an ecological art feast for residents and visitors.

A "Sunset Concert" was held on-site on the afternoon of the opening day. Various reed art installations intertwined with the slanting sunlight, creating an amazing interplay of light and shadow. Visitors eagerly captured the moment with their smartphones.

The 2025 art festival, themed "The Boundaries and Symbiosis of Life," consists of four chapters that seamlessly blend an international perspective with profound artistic depth. Fifteen art installations are artfully scattered along the lakeside of the Dongting Lake. Using reeds as their medium, these works explore the dialogue between nature and art, guiding the public to contemplate the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature while awakening a shared ecological consciousness.

The event experience encompasses five key themes: appreciation, exploration, creation, play, and relaxation. Beyond static art installations, a free creation zone is set up to encourage visitors to participate in collaborative art projects. On-site interactive installations include reed swings, a love maze, and a silver sand beach, alongside immersive experiences like the sunset boardwalk, reed pyramids, and a children's sandpit. These elements allow participants to enjoy themselves amidst the fusion of nature and art.

Reed marshes, as vital components of wetland ecosystems, present stunning natural landscapes while serving as crucial habitats for migratory birds and natural foraging grounds for Milu deer. Staff at the Junshan Island Scenic Area introduced that the reeds are thriving in the area, with heights generally exceeding two meters. Currently the white reed flowers are in full bloom, and this "white romance" will soon come to an end as the harvesting season approaches. Visitors wishing to experience this autumn rendezvous are suggested to make their plans promptly.

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Yu Jiangjiang

Chinese source: hunan.gov.cn