Chongqing - On the eve of the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival, the third Natural Yunyang Golden Autumn Festival and the first Yangtze International Chinese Costume Arts Exhibition were opened in Chongqing's Yuanyang County to showcase the rich culture and inheritance behind the development story of Yunyang beside the iconic 1800-year-old Zhang Fei Temple and treated live audiences to a feast of traditional dress to the background of stirring drum roll. 

The grand opening ceremony on September 28 lined up an exciting program of artistic performances, headed by the poetic dance Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting, which recounts how the young genius Ximeng is said to have depicted mountains and rivers through a scroll masterpiece using blue and green colors, painted around a millennium ago. Set amidst a picturesque stage backdrop and melodious accompaniments, performers enthralled the crowds with elegant dance routines, immersing them in a magical atmosphere of aesthetic beauty. 

Impressive dance routines from performers dressed in full traditional costumes enthralled visitors during the opening ceremony of the first Yangtze Chinese Costume Arts Exhibition (Photo/Zhao Guogan)

With a neatly choreographed transition, a group of chic young men appeared on stage to display chivalrous moves as they deftly wielded bright swords that cast mesmerizing shadows. Dressed in full costumes brimming with cultural elements, their performances cleverly offset each other through a striking contrast of strong yet delicate techniques of physical expression. 

The remaining performances also closely followed the themes of Yunyang history and the Mid-Autumn Festival, including scenes from the Sichuan opera Three Heroes Combat Lu Bu and dances named Serenade of Peaceful Joy and Tang Palace Banquet, which delivered a feast of traditional culture to rounds of enthusiastic applause. 

Towards the end, a catwalk show themed on "The Gorgeous Yangtze" featured a procession of graceful figures dressed in sumptuous flowing costumes, which grabbed the attention of locals and tourists who posed for souvenir group photographs as the opening ceremony climaxed. 

A catwalk show displayed the rich variety of traditional Chinese costumes dating from the Han Dynasty and still popular in the modern day (Photo/Zhao Guogan)

A rapturous finale then directed eyes towards the night sky in a flashy and colorful drone performance, one that drew on auspicious imagery, fine landscapes, and ancient poetry to create an atmosphere embodying heroic spirit whilst also expressing best wishes for reunion and peace over the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

Festivities enhance cultural confidence for youth.

Ms. Shen from Yunnan had initially planned a brief stay in Yunyang, but on watching the International Chinese Costume Arts Exhibition open to the public, she decided to remain a few more days with her husband to experience the upcoming range of activities before they leave.

The third Natural Yunyang Golden Autumn Festival and inaugural Yangtze International Chinese Costume Arts Exhibition is declared open following the grand opening ceremony (Photo/Zhao Guogan)

"It's been unforgettable to wear traditional clothes and spend the holiday in Yunyang, where the Yangtze River has flowed past over thousands of years of human civilization. It feels a ceremonial way to begin the holiday." Ms. Shen commented.

Ms. Tang from the Chongqing Urban Area brought her family of four to participate in the range of activities that night and praised the event for its rich atmosphere and strong cultural elements. "I wanted my children to experience the traditional festive ambiance, and I hope they can gain more cultural confidence and a deeper impression of Chinese aesthetics," Tang explained. 

This first Yangtze International Chinese Costume Art Exhibition is scheduled for September 29-30, during which 30 contestants from all over China will participate in the 2023 Luoshang Chinese Costume Show. Additionally, there will be dozens of fun activities, including trade exhibitions and costume processions, organized through October 7th.