Visitors from far and wide have been flocking to a popular scenic spot in Heze City of east China's Shandong Province to experience a series of colorful cultural activities held as part of celebrations for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which lands on Tuesday. Heze's Yuncheng County is recognized as the birthplace of the classic Chinese novel "Water Margin", or known as "Shuihu" in China. Legend has it that over 70 of the more than 100 heroic characters depicted in the story came from Yuncheng, which shows the literary significance of this location.
In the Shuihu Hero City, a comprehensive tourist destination in Yuncheng, a series of cultural events including paper-cutting, tea ceremonies, martial arts demonstrations and traditional Chinese opera performances have been staged to mark this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, allowing visitors to enjoy a feast of traditional Chinese culture during the festive period.
These activities have drawn visitors from various countries including Russia and Pakistan, who are taking in the sights and enjoying viewing ancient Chinese architecture while dressed in traditional Chinese Hanfu costumes to immerse themselves in the age-old customs.
Among them is Natalie, a visitor from Russia who has long been drawn to traditional Chinese culture. She said she was delighted to finally get the chance to experience it by herself in the Shuihu Hero City.
"Today's trip is amazing. I feel grateful. This is my first time in China. Today, I have seen this culture. It's very beautiful," she said.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated on the night when the moon reaches its fullest and brightest on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar.
During the festival, family members come together from across China, share traditional mooncakes and light up lanterns to enjoy their family reunion.
Cultural events captivate foreign visitors as Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated in Shandong
