On February 13, a large open-air reunion dinner was held in the square of Kuanjiao Village, Huilong Town, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong, where 230 tables were set for nearly 2,000 residents to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
This was no government-organized gala, but a private, centuries-old tradition of a village in Lingnan. Migrant workers returned home for the holiday, and daughters who had married into other villages came back to their roots.
The atmosphere was lively and festive, featuring a range of wonderful performances. The village's own lion dance troupe kicked off the entertainment, followed by impromptu karaoke sessions that filled the air with classic Cantonese songs. Diners joined in singing or captured the moments on their phones, adding to the warmth of the celebration.
"In the past, everyone was busy with their own affairs during the holiday. Now, we all sit down together and talk," said Su Yanyao, a lifelong resident. Having worked in cities far from home in his youth, he has witnessed the village's transformation—wider roads, new houses, and an improved living environment.
During the dinner, the topic discussed most was the village's 200-year-old "Kuanjiao Golden Dragon". A treasured traditional craft made of bamboo and paper, it requires dozens of people to perform the dragon dance. "Come back for the major festivals, and you'll get to see it," Su Yanyao said.
For the village, it was more than a meal. It was a celebration of reunion, a chronicle of changing lives, and a testament to how one ancient village is preserving its heritage while embracing a new chapter.
Reporter: Wang Junxin
Photo: Zhong Zhengqian
