Chongqing - On August 10, Chongqing celebrated Chinese Valentine's Day, the Qixi Festival. The Yuzhong District in the city center hosted a romantic event that drew domestic and international visitors.

The city's iconic landmarks, such as the 520-meter-high Eye of Clouds and the historic Shibati area, were illuminated to create a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Chongqing's landmark, the Eye of Clouds, celebrated the Qixi Festival. (Photo/Event organizer)

A standout feature of the celebration was a traditional wedding held at the Huguang Guild Hall, a historical site dating back to the Qing Dynasty. 

The newlyweds, dressed in elaborate wedding attire, participated in traditional rituals, including throwing embroidered balls, bowing to their parents, and performing the ceremony of drinking wedding wine.

The traditional wedding was held at the Huguang Guild Hall. (Photo/Event organizer)

The event also revived Qixi customs like threading needles to pray for dexterity and dyeing nails with phoenix designs. 

"This traditional wedding is extraordinary. It allowed me to feel the romance and wisdom of the ancients. I hope to see more events like this in the future," remarked one visitor.

Foreigners were invited to experience the Chinese traditional Qixi Festival. (Photo/Chen Zhan)

Notably, foreigners were also invited to experience these Chinese traditions. Maksim Dolgov, a student from Russia, was among them. He spent the day walking through the city, handing out flowers, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

He commented that the celebration differed from those in his home country, noting that the traditional clothing was comfortable and that it was fascinating to experience Chinese culture in such a unique way.