As the Mid-autumn festival approaches, various activities have been carried out in Taicang, Jiangsu province, which have created a festive atmosphere around the city.

DIY moon cakes

Children and their parents make moon cakes by themselves in Taicang, Sept 5,2014. [Photo/Taicang Daily]

DIY moon cakes are much cheaper and more environmentally sound, making them increasingly popular among the public. On Sept 5, the women and children's center, along with the Meiyuan community, held a DIY moon cakes activity. Sixteen children and their parents made moon cakes by themselves. The DIY activity encouraged children's creativity and patience, as well as enhanced the relationship between children and parents.

Caring for empty nesters

"Empty nesters" refers to senior citizens in a family without children around, including both the married and the widowed. On Sept 4, the city's volunteers gathered 30 empty nesters together to celebrate the upcoming Mid-autumn Festival. They enjoyed a joyous festival by eating moon cakes, making dumplings together and watching artistic performances.

Other activities

Other activities will be staged during the festival, including riddle guessing, artistic performances, a seniors chess contest and reading Chinese classics such as Di Zi Gui (Standards for Being a Good Student), to help locals spend a cultural festival.