The streets of Yinchuan city, Ningxia Hui autonomous region were transformed into a vibrant tapestry of tradition and modernity for a Qixi youth night event on Wednesday night.

The Meeting Across Millennia event blended traditional Chinese Qixi culture, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, which falls on Friday, with modern artistic and social trends. It featured music, games and cultural experiences.

"I never thought Qixi could feel so romantic right in my neighborhood," said Li Mengqi, who wrote a wish and hung it on a lantern.

In the heritage zone, artisans helped participants to weave colorful ropes, part of the festival's "Begging for skills" ritual, alongside candle making, fish lantern crafting and delicacy making.

An "AI matchmaker" added a playful twist to the event, while couples hung wish cards on a peach blossom tree.