International candy festival opens at Shougang Park

The first China International Candy Season is underway at Beijing's Big Air Shougang. This event is a key part of a broader push to create a dynamic blend of tourism, sports, and consumer experiences for attendees of the upcoming China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).

The venue has been transformed into a "candy kingdom" featuring brand pop-ups, interactive exhibits and nostalgic treats such as White Rabbit creamy candies and Beijing crispy candies. Visitors can also sample industrial-themed chocolates, Shougang sodas and cultural products inspired by the park's No. 3 Blast Furnace.

Beyond shopping, the event offers live sugar figurine and sugar painting demonstrations, hands-on chocolate and candy puzzle workshops, and a themed area inspired by "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" with playgrounds, camping zones and pet-friendly spaces. The cooling tower has been converted into a family entertainment area featuring carousels, trampolines and pirate ships.

The candy season runs through Nov. 16 as a CIFTIS supporting event, with CIFTIS badge holders receiving 20% discounts during the trade fair.

Shougang Park will also host camping gatherings, concerts, modern Peking opera performances, photo exhibitions and sports competitions.