The 2017 Guangzhou Qiqiao Cultural Festival got underway on Aug 24 in Zhucun village of Tianhe district, Guangzhou, entertaining locals with a treasure trove of traditional performances.

Qiqiao Festival, is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, and falls on the seventh day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar. It is the 13th year since Zhucun village held its first Qiqiao Festival, the event growing from a small village performance into a large cultural carnival.

A stage play on Qiqiao (praying for handicraft skills) is staged in Zhucun village on Aug 24. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com] 

Zhucun village added a high-tech twist to the festival this year, rolling out "Cloud Maps" which enables visitors to watch cartoons about the village's scenic spots by scanning QR codes with their smart phones. The videos have been created by famous painters and provide a vivid view of folk culture in Zhucun.

On the evening of Aug 24, a traditional coming-of-age ceremony celebrating the journey from childhood to adulthood was held at the Canton Tower.

Other highlights of the annual event include traditional Qixi folk activities, a handicraft skills competition, village fair, photo exhibition and a youth blind date party.

Distinctive local dance is performed at the 2017 Guangzhou Qiqiao Cultural Festival held in Zhucun village, Guangzhou. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]

Visitors admire delicate handicrafts on show at the 2017 Guangzhou Qiqiao Cultural Festival held in Zhucun village, Guangzhou. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]