Before the Chongyang Festival, Shantang Village in Guangchen Town, Pinghu City, Zhejiang Province, and its namesake village in Langxia Town, Jinshan District, Shanghai, jointly hosted a "Chongyang Family Banquet" at the Mingyue Shantang scenic area. A total of 332 elders aged 80 and above gathered for this heartwarming event.

The two Shantang villages, connected by a bridge across the Shanghai-Zhejiang border, share close ties among residents. This marks the third consecutive year of their collaborative elderly-care initiative, which kicked off amid the lively atmosphere of the "Bridge Market·Goods Bazaar."

At the southern entrance of Shantang Old Street, the "Bridge Ceremony·Welcome Blessing" activity commenced simultaneously. Volunteers tied red strings—symbolizing health and longevity—around the wrists of attending elders. A blessing wall displayed heartfelt messages like "Wishing elders happiness and longevity" and "May cross-regional friendship endure," reflecting festive warmth.

The "Bridge Banquet·Shared Feast" soon began. Elders sat around 30 large round tables lining the old street, sharing dishes like braised pork knuckle, stewed turtle, steamed minced pork with egg, and Chongyang cakes—all embodying Jiangnan flavors and festive symbolism. Volunteers and village officials assisted less mobile attendees, offering rice, napkins, and thoughtful inquiries about meal preferences.

"Attending this banquet for three straight years, the food gets better each time. Celebrating with old friends feels even livelier than home!" remarked Grandma Wang from Langxia’s Shantang Village.

Post-banquet, the "Bridge Performance·Highbrow Meets Lowbrow" entertainment unfolded at the old street’s cymbal-book theater, featuring traditional cymbal storytelling, Yue opera, and Shanghai opera performances. Elders hummed along enthusiastically, applauding between acts.