An event featuring light shows and cultural activities to celebrate the traditional Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, took place on Saturday in a 1,500-year-old ancient town in Peng'an County, Nanchong City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, offering visitors a chance to experience the festival's distinctive romantic atmosphere.

Xiangru Ancient Town is the birthplace and upbringing site of the renowned Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD) poet Sima Xiangru. Due to the widely celebrated love story of Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun, a poet of the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC–25 AD), the ancient town has become a must-visit destination for many couples during the Qixi Festival.

The event featured four themed light shows created using holographic projection technology tailored to the terrain's features.

Additionally, the event featured numerous captivating performances. Dancers performed gracefully at the central water feature while dozens of fireworks were ignited simultaneously, creating a dazzling cascade of colors. This harmonious blend of traditional culture and modern technology provided a visual spectacle that delighted visitors.

Following the performances, visitors illuminated small river lanterns and set them afloat, participating in the tradition of releasing lanterns to wish for happiness and fulfillment.

The event also featured an interactive 'Guess the Lantern Riddles' activity, inviting visitors to participate in engaging games. Those who answered correctly could win small prizes to take home as souvenirs.

The Qixi Festival occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month according to the Chinese lunar calendar. It celebrates the legend of the annual meeting between the mythological figures of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. This year, the festival fell on August 10.