So originally, we planned this article as a guide to three electronic music festivals happening around China in July 2026, but in the past few weeks, two of those fests were cancelled.
Last weekend's planned Endow Soul fest near Ningbo is postponed due to electrical issues, according to organizers; and this weekend's Triquetra fest at a post-apocalyptic park built on a repurposed gas station in Hangzhou is cancelled due to Typhoon Bavi, according to the festival's IG account. Running a music festival is a huge undertaking and we wish everyone involved the best.
The good news is that there's still one more chance for a summer fest this July. This three-day "secret forest" music adventure called 游山YOUSHAN up in Hebei looks interesting and thoughtfully curated, plus there's some solid Shanghai names playing. It's definitely a minute from Shanghai but could be a fun getaway. Here's the details:
What it is:
This is the second year for 游山YOUSHAN, a forest fest with a strong lineup of around 40 domestic and international artists across two stages, generally playing deeper, more hypnotic strains of house and techno. Organizers say that last year they had about 2,000 people on the Saturday, and 1,500 each on Friday or Sunday. It's pet friendly and there have food and drink vendors on site. No camping, though.
When & Where:
July 17-19 from 2pm-5am each day in a forest in Zhangjiakou, Heibei, around 180km northwest of Beijing. The city is a skiing destination that co-hosted the 2022 Winter Olympic Games
Who's Playing:
The lineup is solid, with a big contingent of DJs from China's house/techno underground circuit. The sound is definitely on some deeper techno, house, and club vibes - not banging hard techno. China-based acts include Cola Ren (Live), Finascia, Sam TBD, Mariio, Mickey Zhang, Weng Weng, White+ (Live), and Yang Bing, among many others, and coming in from overseas you've got Rrose, Tobias (Live), Giammarco Orsini, Lizz, Jorge Caiado, and more.
Why Go:
Dancing to this lineup in a forest setting sounds like a proper meeting with nature and music, with last year's size just about right for a more intimate fest.
Getting There:
The easiest path is a train to Taizicheng station from Beijing and then a ten-minute cab from there to the festival site. There is no direct train from Shanghai, but you're looking at about 90 minutes by train from Beijing, and there are two each day from Beijing Bei and more from Qinghe (trains from the latter are faster). If tickets to Taizicheng are sold out, you can go to Chongli Station, and that's a 30 minute cab ride. Not bad not bad. Driving from Beijing will take around 2.5 hours.
There's no direct flight from Shanghai to Zhangjiakou, but with a stopover you're looking at around six hours and then a cab ride of 75-90 minutes to Taizicheng.
Where to stay:
The fest has an official hotel partner, Prince Hotel by Secret Garden, which is the official departure point for the shuttle buses to the fest. Rooms there start at 245rmb with breakfast. There are two other hotels in the area as well that the organizers say are more upscale.
Tickets:
Day tickets are 199rmb pre-sale or 299rmb at the door.
Weekend passes are 499rmb pre-sale or 599rmb at the door.
Tickets are available via the fest's WeChat: 游山YOUSHAN
Where to get more info:
WeChat: 游山YOUSHAN (lots of good resources there, including last year's FAQ - check the packing list if you go!)
IG: @youshanmusicfestival
