August 29, 2025, or the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, marks China's traditional Qixi Festival, often called China's Valentine's Day. At Kaifeng's Millennium City Park, a Song Dynasty-style group wedding is staged, showcasing the joy and charm of traditional Chinese customs.
On this day, six couples, dressed in Song Dynasty attire, followed traditional rituals to partake in a grand wedding ceremony.
The banks of the Bianhe River are thronged with visitors, as oars dip gently into the picturesque waters. Several elaborately decorated boats, adorned with carved railings, floral windows, and red silk, carry the newlyweds in pairs. Amid weeping willows and the blessings of thousands of onlookers, the couples sail on, surrounded by blessings.
Beneath the Hongqiao Bridge, rose petals cascade like gentle rain, creating a romantic and heartwarming scene.
At Jinshui Gate Pier, six couples disembark and make their way toward the Shangshan Gate. With a romance spanning one thousand years, the grand wedding ceremony is about to begin!
The wedding ceremony faithfully follows Song Dynasty rituals, from the solemn bows to heaven and earth (a traditional ritual acknowledging heaven, earth, and ancestors) to the heartfelt sharing of wedding wine. Every detail shows reverence for tradition and cultural heritage. Led by the ceremonial officiant, the couples bow to each other with reverence and vow to share a lifetime together. As their wine cups gently touch, two hearts are joined as one, a symbol of eternal unity and lifelong commitment.
As the highlight of the Qixi Festival celebrations at Millennium City Park, the "Grand Song Dynasty Wedding" not only allows newlyweds to experience the charm of ancient wedding traditions, but also brings visitors a celebration that is both visually impressive and deeply moving. In addition, the park has prepared Qixi-themed performances, with a romantic atmosphere and a variety of interactive activities, enabling guests to enjoy the unique charm of the Song Dynasty. (Reporter: Zhao Hanqing and Yang Jiaxin Proofreader: Chen Xingjie)
