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.

The story of Wu Zixu (559-484 BC) , a general of the Wu state, digging the Xutang Canal to benefit the people was vividly presented. The bustling life of Xitang during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) was innovatively reenacted. The ancient poem depicting the scenery of Xitang during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was brought to life through real-life scenarios. Each boat carried a different story and theme, perfectly blending the millennia-old charm of Xitang with modern art.

This boat parade is not just a visual feast, but also a profound cultural experience. The ingenious combination of modern stage design technology and interactive performances allows visitors to deeply appreciate the cultural essence of Xitang while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

With boat performances, land parades and close-up interactive experiences, visitors can traverse a thousand years of history to trace the cultural heritage of Xitang, wandering through the ancient charm and contemporary elegance together.

The Dream of Xitang: Boat Stories parade in Xitang ancient town will last until August 31. The parade takes place every Friday and Saturday from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, following the route along the river from the Huguo Suiliang King Temple to the Wolong Bridge Pier.

The debut of the parade marks an important step in Xitang ancient town's efforts to establish itself as a benchmark for cultural and tourism integration in the Yangtze River Delta.