The inaugural Phoenix Boat Race in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, which aims to celebrate the Girls' Festival, kicks off on Sept 1, 1997. [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

The eagerly-anticipated China (Guangyuan) Girls' Festival will run from Aug 26 to Sept 1.

The festival derives from a 1,300 year-old Chinese holiday to commemorate the birth of Wu Zetian (624-705), China's only ruling empress. Guangyuan city in Sichuan province has been identified as the hometown of Wu through written records and unearthed relics.

Revived in 1988, this traditional folk festival has been celebrated in Guangyuan for 35 times. What began as an opportunity in the ancient world for women to congregate by the Jiangling River has evolved into a hallmark modern cultural event.

With each passing year, the festival's influence has grown, bolstered by the iconic activities of the Phoenix Boat Race and Autumn Trade Fair that have accelerated the region's development.

Guangyuan Girls' Festival has become a calling card for the city. It continues to develop in cultural significance and scope, while reflecting the spirit of women's self-improvement, happiness and beauty.