Chongqing - On May 19, 2025, Chongqing's skyline witnessed a breathtaking celebration of love as 11 couples from diverse cultural backgrounds exchanged their vows at the Rendezvous with Love in Yuzhong - 520 Foreign-related Collective Marriage Certificate Issuance Ceremony.

This unique event, held 250 meters high above the city at the Crystal at Raffles City in Chongqing, was a testament to the city's growing international appeal and its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for couples from around the globe.

A fusion of cultures

This wedding, deeply rooted in the integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, blended traditional Chinese folk arts like paper-cutting and rubbing seals with the modern ceremony form of a cloud wedding. The ceremony highlighted Chongqing's innovative approach to cultural diplomacy, showcasing the ability to seamlessly blend tradition and modernity.

The ceremony itself served as a powerful embodiment of this cultural harmony. A bilingual marriage certificate was presented, led by a top-notch bilingual presenter, ensuring that all attendees felt included, appreciated, and connected to the profound significance of the occasion.

Love stories spanning continents

This special ceremony brought together couples from China, the United States, Hungary, Venezuela, and beyond, each with their unique story of finding love.

The couples raise their glasses in celebration at Raffles City. (Photo/Yuzhong District)

A particularly heartwarming story involves Feng-Tóth Csilla, Deputy Head of Secretariat at the Consulate General of Hungary in Chongqing, who celebrated her marriage with her Chinese partner in this spectacular event. She mentioned that everybody was touched when they introduced how they met each other and their special stories. The Civil Affairs Bureau of Yuzhong District presented her with a special gift package featuring specific elements of the area and intangible cultural heritage souvenirs, marking a romantic chapter in the 75th anniversary of Sino-Hungarian diplomatic relations.

These love stories, spanning continents and cultures, are a powerful reminder that love knows no boundaries.

Redefining matrimonial tourism

Post-ceremony, newlyweds boarded the "Panda-Themed Sightseeing Bus", winding through Chongqing's famously complex, multi-level urban terrain and riverside landmarks. This "marriage registration tourism" initiative, organized by Yuzhong District's Cultural Tourism Department, allowed the couples to experience the city's charm and create lasting memories. Photographers captured their beautiful moments through landmarks, with live-updated online photo albums enabling global sharing.

Newlyweds tour Yuzhong District's landmarks on a panda-themed sightseeing bus. (Photo/Yuzhong District)

All these prove that this wedding was also a symbol of Chongqing's openness and warmth. By merging marriage registration with tourism, Yuzhong District is becoming a top destination for couples, aligning with Chongqing's vision as an international hub of culture and love. Therefore, events like this redefine how cities foster international connections through creativity and heart.