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The Dream of Xitang: Boat Stories parade is staged in Xitang ancient town, Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, July 5, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The dazzling lights on the ancient stage of the Huguo Suiliang King Temple in Xitang ancient town lit up, and the resounding sound of gongs pierced the night sky on Friday. The much-anticipated first Jiangnan water town immersive night tour event in Zhejiang province's Xitang ancient town — the Dream of Xitang: Boat Stories parade — was officially launched.

Eight brilliantly illuminated traditional flower boats, slowly sailed through the waterways of the ancient town. These boats, like messengers traversing time, created a dreamlike space imbued with the unique charm of the Jiangnan water town and the rich cultural heritage of the thousand-year-old town.