Embrace the Oriental Romance of the Mid-Autumn Festival in SW China, Chongqing

Chongqing - This year's Mid-Autumn Festival in Southwest China's Chongqing kicked off with a lively fusion of cultural traditions, folklore, and engaging games, attracting throngs of visitors to Far Eastern City for a festive celebration like no other.

Parents join their children in a "mooncake fishing" activity in Chongqing. (Photo/Xie Zhiqiang)

Far Eastern City, a large commercial complex in Chongqing offering shopping, dining, entertainment, and office spaces in the Jiangbei District, hosts the Chongqing 2024 Our Mid-Autumn Festival from September 14 to 17. 

The face-changing performance at the party. (Photo/Xie Zhiqiang)

The interior of Chongqing Far Eastern City. (Photo/Niko Wu)

On the evening of September 14, a spectacular Mid-Autumn Festival Party delighted the audience with an array of cultural performances. 

Highlights included the graceful dance "Sailing," a serene guzheng performance of "Blooming Flowers and Full Moon Night," and the operatic song "Prosperous Blooming of a Hundred Flowers." Each act brought the poetic beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival to life, adding a picturesque charm to the moonlit night.

The guzheng performance of "Blooming Flowers and Full Moon Night." (Photo/Zhang Hao)

Interactive segments like Guessing Ancient Poetry, Guessing Lantern Riddles, and the traditional Pitch-pot Game were woven into the event. These activities not only engaged the audience but also encouraged them to explore ancient Chinese traditions and aesthetics through art, hands-on experiences, and emotional connection.

Guessing Lantern riddles, traditionally written on lanterns displayed during festivals like the Chinese Lantern Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival, challenge participants to guess answers based on words, poems, or phrases.

Attendees enjoyed nostalgic games such as "Moon Rabbit Fishing for Mooncakes" and "Mid-Autumn Festival Q&A" at Far Eastern City. The Moon Rabbit is a Chinese myth where the rabbit serves the moon goddess and pounds the elixir of life for the immortals. Visitors had the opportunity to taste mooncakes, participate in garden games, and soak in the festive spirit.

Alongside the main performances, activities at Far Eastern City will run through September 17. These will feature traditional games like sandbag throwing and tug-of-war, plus cultural experiences such as lacquer fan-making and fan painting. The cultural bazaar offers hands-on crafts, free mooncakes, and a chance to immerse in Chinese heritage.

This year's Festival event at Far Eastern City offers a delightful blend of cultural experiences and nostalgic fun, allowing everyone to celebrate the holiday engagingly and memorably.