From August 25 to September 2 this year, the 2019 Burning Man will be held in the Black Rock Desert near Reno, a city in northern Nevada. Each year, this utopian art city that lasts just nine days will once again welcome tens of thousands of visitors. This year’s festival theme is “Metamorphoses.” The establishment of this theme also resonates with the current global environment of constant change—how should individuals embrace transformation?
During the day, temperatures in Nevada can soar up to 40 degrees. “Burners” who make pilgrimages from around the world gather in this “city” full of survival challenges and ultimate revelry, using artistic creation and self-expression to interpret the relationship between humans and the world. September 2 marks the climax of the Burning Man, when all art installations are set ablaze. Afterward, the Black Rock Desert returns to being a quiet wilderness. To be precise, Burning Man is not a “festival,” but a community formed by a group of “Burners” united by shared ideals. In recent years, due to its unique form of expression and extreme experiences, Burning Man has attracted an increasing number of participants from China, and their presence can be seen every year.
This year’s Burning Man will feature a Chinese art creation team called “幻” (Illusion), bringing an art installation titled “幻-TULPA ASHRAMS.” Based on this year’s theme of “Metamorphosis,” it is a collectively created piece that condenses the past and future while blending Eastern and Western expressive elements. The work consists of seven orderly arranged towers, with the main tower incorporating architectural elements such as “brackets, rafters, beams, columns, and wind chimes.”
To participate in Burning Man, one usually needs to register and book tickets on the official website a year in advance. Ticket prices range from over 3,000 to over 7,000 RMB, and a lottery system is in place. Despite the high cost, it remains highly sought after by die-hard fans of the event worldwide. Nearly 30,000 tickets were sold within half an hour of the official release this year.
About Burning Man:
Burning Man was born in 1986 when its founder burned a large wooden sculpture in San Francisco. He believed it was an effective way to express oneself and unleash one's nature. It was later relocated to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, evolving into an independent community organization. Each year features different themes and massive art installations, attracting “Burners” from all over the world.
Recommended Attractions Around the Black Rock Desert:
Reno, known as “the biggest little city in the world,” may be small in size but is rich in artistic spirit. The city boasts over 120 murals that brighten up its streets. In addition to murals, there are artist-created sculptures and more than 500 art-themed events throughout the year. Its commitment to free artistic expression continuously attracts new artists and visitors.
Reno Playa Art Park
If you feel that attending Burning Man wasn’t enough—or if you missed it altogether—you might want to check out the Reno Playa Art Park. Located in downtown Reno, this free art installation park houses fragments of some art pieces left over from the 2016 Burning Man.
Morris Burner Hostel
Besides being an artistic accommodation, this is also a community space that nurtures art and helps spread the spirit of Burning Man. It is recommended to stay overnight in one of its differently themed Burning Man rooms or join a free guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of the Burning Man ethos.
How to Get There
The Black Rock Desert, where Burning Man is held, is closest to the Reno (Reno) Airport. You can fly from China to San Francisco or Los Angeles, then transfer to Reno.
About the Nevada Tourism Board
The Nevada Tourism Board (Travel Nevada) is dedicated to promoting the state’s diverse culture and historical heritage. Since its establishment, it has spared no effort in boosting Nevada’s economy, tourism, and employment. Since 2004, Nevada has attracted over 50 million visitors annually. In the same year, Nevada became the first U.S. state tourism board officially authorized to promote tourism in China. For more information on travel, hotels, and events in Nevada, please visit GoNevada.cn