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2026 Chengdu Biennale—Pulse of Life

烟火指数・成都双年展

The 2026 Chengdu Biennale is a landmark international art event hosted at the Chengdu Art Museum. Themed “Pulse of Life,” this biennale draws inspiration from Chengdu’s unique “yanhuo” (vibrant, warm daily life) culture—celebrating the city’s laid-back yet lively spirit—and weaves it together with rational, global artistic observation to explore the connections between life, culture, tradition, and modernity.

Gathering a diverse lineup of 251 artists from 29 countries across 5 continents, the exhibition showcases a total of 328 artworks, with over 40% being international contributions, ensuring a global perspective while honoring local roots. These works span a wide range of artistic forms, including immersive installations, contemporary paintings, sculptural pieces, cutting-edge digital art, video works, and classic Chinese artworks—each telling a unique story about life, memory, and cultural dialogue.

Organized into 6 carefully curated exhibition sections, each with a distinct focus: from exploring the intersection of ancient Shu civilization (Chengdu’s historical heritage) and contemporary art, to examining the relationship between urban life and artistic expression, to celebrating the diversity of global cultural identities through art. The biennale also features interactive art experiences, allowing visitors to engage closely with the works and deepen their understanding of the “Pulse of Life” theme.

Open to the public free of charge (advance reservation via the official Chengdu Art Museum WeChat account is required), the exhibition aims to break down barriers between art and daily life, connect traditional Sichuan culture with contemporary global art trends, and position Chengdu as a key platform for international cultural exchange. It invites visitors from around the world to experience the city’s warmth, artistic vitality, and the universal “pulse” that unites all forms of life and creativity.