SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In the context of the accelerating integration of culture and tourism in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), K11 ECOAST Art and Cultural District by the Sea is presenting a multi-dimensional immersive cultural experience starting from National Day holiday. Under the guidance of the Nanshan District Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports Bureau, K11 ECOAST focuses on Sino-Western artistic dialogue, intangible cultural heritage (ICH) revitalization, and local intellectual property (IP) innovation. This initiative aims to create new cultural consumption scenarios and artistic experiences for GBA residents, further enhancing the GBA’s cultural soft power and international influence.
As the first waterfront cultural district in the GBA that integrates art, humanities, and nature, K11 ECOAST combines the talents of international emerging artists with traditional cultural practices. It offers a diverse array of experiences that encompass international theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and cultural interactions, allowing the rich heritage of Chinese culture to blend seamlessly with contemporary life. The district aims to explore innovative paths in “art + tourism” and “performance + tourism,” positioning itself as an international cultural and tourism destination with a distinct GBA identity.
An “At-Sea Encounter” of Western Opera and Chinese Festivals
As a pioneer in the GBA’s economic landscape, K11 ECOAST continues to introduce high-quality domestic and international brands and IPs, creating experiences that go beyond mere sightseeing. From October 6 to 8, the GBA premiere of the acclaimed Dutch environmental theatre production Floating Diva took place in K11 ECOAST. This three-day performance, guided by the Nanshan District Committee Propaganda Department and co-organized with the Nanshan Federation of Literary and Art Circles, perfectly merges Western opera with Chinese festival traditions.
The Dutch soprano, adorned in a spectacular umbrella-shaped gown inspired by 17th-century European fashion, floated on the water and perform classic arias from Madam Butterfly and The Moon Represents My Heart, among other well-known pieces. This unique visual presentation, set against the backdrop of Mid-Autumn celebrations, created a poetic “sea spectacle” that resonates emotionally with the audience, which received enthusiastic acclaim and positive feedback from audiences from various places.
K11 ECOAST aims to facilitate cross-cultural exchange between the East and West through organic blend of Western art and Chinese traditional festivals, establishing a new landmark for international cultural experiences in the GBA.
Contemporary Narratives of Traditional Crafts
In recent years, Shenzhen has actively explored innovative developments of traditional culture in contemporary contexts through models like “ICH + commercial districts.” Leveraging the festive occasions, K11 ECOAST is constructing scenes that merge modern coastal lifestyles with folk cultural experiences through multi-dimensional creative narratives.
Collaborating with emerging paper artist Wen Qiwen, K11 ECOAST is presenting a luminous paper art installation displayed outside the seaside promenade from now until the end of October. Inspired by Mid-Autumn moon-viewing traditions and the Shekou fishing port, the installation transforms the sea into an artistic stage, providing consumers with a visually engaging and imaginative experience. This work utilizes sustainable materials, echoing K11 ECOAST’s commitment to green development.
As a significant folk art form deeply rooted in the integration of agricultural and maritime cultures, the Fish Lantern Dance holds a prominent place in Lingnan traditional customs and has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. During the festival period, K11 ECOAST invited folk artists from the GBA to perform the “Fish Lantern Walk,” while also responding to the rise of the night-time economy by establishing interactive scenes for night tours, leisure, and appreciation. This experience not only resonates with the coastal cultural context of Shekou but also enhances the cultural and artistic depth of Shenzhen’s night-time economy, providing consumers with tangible experiences of urban intangible heritage.
Additionally, from now until the end of October, a 20-meter lantern show featuring the national intangible cultural heritage is staging at K11 ECOAST. The event also includes interactive experiences that highlight traditional Chinese culture, such as flower arranging, Hanfu photography, lantern riddles, and traditional throwing games, inviting GBA citizens to embark on a comprehensive sensory journey into intangible heritage.
Local IP Innovation: “Nailoong” Debuts New Look
The original animated IP “Nailoong,” born in Shenzhen, has gained global popularity, becoming a cultural phenomenon. From now until the end of October, K11 ECOAST invites “Nailoong” back to its hometown shores for the thematic debut of “Cute Dragon at Sea, Infinite Fun,” showcasing the “Shenzhen school uniform series” that blends with the coastal landscape, offering fans and the entire city a new photo opportunity.
This event celebrates Shenzhen’s 45th anniversary, featuring a large inflatable Nailoong donned in a custom “signature skin” vibrant Shenzhen school uniform, designed to evoke emotional resonance among Shenzhen students and create a nostalgic yet warm coastal social space. The event will also feature retail pop-up shops and immersive experiences, creating a playful environment for families. This innovative introduction of the Nailoong IP will further enrich the all-age experience at K11 ECOAST, supporting the “IP +” economy as a new driving force for high-quality development in the GBA.
K11 ECOAST serves as a stage along the Prince Bay coast, merging the cultural heritage of intangible traditions, international artistic flair, and local IP vibrancy to create a new cultural realm. By blending traditional and contemporary elements and integrating local and international influences, K11 ECOAST will continue to immerse the GBA in a rich artistic experience and assist in enhancing regional cultural soft power.
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