From May 2 to 4, the 2025 Dongguan Super Strawberry Music Festival set the city of Dongguan ablaze with rhythm and energy. As the first Super Strawberry stop in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area this year, it drew an enthusiastic crowd of 80,000 music lovers from across the country and beyond.
Among them was Benjamin, a South African who has called Dongguan home for the past seven years. Living with his family in Dongcheng, he describes himself as a big fan of Chinese pop and Cantonese classics."It's our first time at the Strawberry Festival," he said with a wide smile, "and everything is well-organized. The space is open and comfortable, and it's perfect for families."
His wife and kids also enjoyed the relaxed vibe. "What impressed us most," Benjamin added, "was how inclusive the lineup was. It's a festival where both children and adults can truly enjoy the experience together."
One of the festival's most talked-about highlights was the Cantonese Music Night on May 3. Social media buzzed as beloved regional artists brought the essence of the GBA to the stage.
When Pakho Chau sang his classic songs, tens of thousands joined in an emotional sing-along. Proudly addressing the crowd as his "cousins," Chau beamed, "Dongguan's really shining! Our women's basketball team just won the WCBA championship, and we're hosting the basketball games of the 15th National Games this November. Come back for roast goose and exciting games!"
Supper Moment's lead singer Sunny Chan beamed with joy at performing in his hometown, while Canto-pop queen Miriam Yeung, performing at a Strawberry stage for the first time, brought the house down with hit after hit. "I've never held a concert here before," she told fans. "But my mother's roots are in Dongguan, it feels special to be here."
Christian, a Swedish professor at Beijing Institute of Technology in Zhuhai, made a special trip to Dongguan for the festival."It's lively, exciting, and I even discovered new bands I never knew before," he said.
For many international attendees, the festival is a window into the heart of local culture, showcasing the energy, warmth, and openness that make Dongguan a rising hub in the Greater Bay Area.
Beyond the stage, as a cradle of modern Chinese history and the capital of art toy in China, Dongguan packed the venue with interactive exhibits, cute photo spots, and pop-up stalls. Highlights included the cute balloon displays of Lin Zexu and an array of limited-edition toys, including the wildly popular "Guan Goose", which this year came in a strawberry-scented pink version, along with AI, color-changing, and mosaic-themed editions.
Foodies were in paradise. From traditional Dongguan roast goose to wildly creative fusions, fans were treated to a one-stop feast while enjoying their favorite sets.
Having last visited in 2017, Christian was amazed by Dongguan's rapid development and its rising cool factor. "It's a different city now," he noted. "I'm planning to explore more of it after the festival, maybe visit the Opium War Museum or try some local food. It feels like Dongguan is full of surprises."
