Huangpu, Guangzhou Hosts Qiqiao Cultural Exchange Event

On August 19, the historic ancestral halls in the Shapu Historical and Cultural Block in Hongshan Subdistrict, Huangpu District, Guangzhou, came alive with festive color and activity. The 2026 Guangzhou (Huangpu) Qiqiao Cultural Exchange Event and the third “Red Hongshan, Hearts Together · Daughters-in-Law Carnival” officially opened.

At the event, the Qiqiao-themed artwork Huafeng and an AI short film of the same name made their debut. Combining Qiqiao culture with AI imaging technology, the project incorporates Huangpu’s ancient heritage sites, traditional customs and folk legends to tell the story of a team safeguarding peace and security in the district.

Inside the ancestral hall, crowds gathered around the Qiqiao works exhibition. In the hands of skilled craftswomen, silk fabrics, fruit shells and grains were transformed into lifelike flowers, birds and human figures. The exquisite artistry of the traditional bai qiniang custom—arranging handcrafted displays in honor of the Seventh Fairy—drew gasps of admiration.

The Hongshan Daughters-in-Law Festival, held twice previously, is a vivid example of community governance and cultural development working in tandem. Initiated by residents and developed through grassroots collaboration, it has been expanded this year into the Daughters-in-Law Carnival series. Launched on August 19, the series will continue throughout the second half of the year, featuring seminars on family education, handicraft workshops, tea gatherings and other activities.

“The Daughters-in-Law Carnival integrates public cultural services, intangible cultural heritage preservation, the promotion of positive family values and community governance,” said Ye Guo, director of the Hongshan Subdistrict Office in Huangpu District, Guangzhou. “Being a daughter-in-law is no longer merely a family role. These women also serve as community liaisons, neighborhood mediators and advocates for civility. Their gentle yet effective influence is helping unleash the power of women in grassroots governance.”

By Li Linfeng and Lin Jie, China Youth Daily/China Youth Online