Beijing, China – As the world approaches 2026, Beijing will host a citywide celebration rooted in ancient ritual music while reflecting modern vitality. On the evening of December 31, 2025, the Beijing New Year Countdown Event, organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and hosted by Beijing Radio and Television, will take place at the Ancient Bell Museum at the Big Bell Temple (Dazhong Temple) and Juyongguan Great Wall. With both in-person and online participation, the event invites a global audience to experience the city’s historical heritage and contemporary energy.
The centerpiece of the event, “Harmony of Bell and Drum”, features a dynamic interplay of time and sound. At the Ancient Bell Museum of the Big Bell Temple, the auspicious Ming Dynasty Yongle Bell will ring 108 times, conveying traditional New Year blessings. Meanwhile, at Juyongguan Great Wall, a grand drum performance will be held, symbolizing energy and perseverance. The two historic landmarks are linked through technology, allowing the sounds to resonate across the distance and create a unified auditory experience.
To broaden participation, the event will be live-linked via video with seven cultural, commercial, and tourism hubs, including Solana (Chaoyang) and Bloomage Live · Wukesong (Haidian). Live coverage of the event will be broadcast simultaneously on large screens at multiple public venues across the city. All sites will join the main venue for the New Year countdown, as the Juyongguan Great Wall welcomes the new year with the “galloping horses” light show.
In addition, residents, expats, and travelers can join the “digital bell and drum” interaction via the official online platform, responding in real time to the on-site ceremonies. Participants will receive a “北京范儿 (Beijing Style)” New Year e-card, redeemable for discounts at partner shopping hubs, museums, and online platforms, turning New Year greetings into tangible benefits.
This countdown event aims to showcase traditional culture in an engaging, contemporary way, creating a public festival that balances ceremonial significance with enjoyment. Through the dialogue between history and modernity and citywide participation, Beijing looks forward to welcoming the new year alongside friends from across the globe.
