From Feb 20 to 23, Lizhou district in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, will host a series of "Girls Tour Jialing River" public cultural activities. Key locations, including Huangze Temple, will be transformed into dynamic cultural hubs, offering visitors an immersive experience of Tang Dynasty customs. 

File photo of the 2024 "Girls Tour Jialing River" public cultural activities [Photo provided to cngy.gov.cn]

Dedicated to Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the fete has evolved over centuries, continuing to enchant visitors. Historically, people visited Huangze Temple on the 23rd day of the first lunar month—Empress Wu's birthday—to pay tribute to her legacy. On this day, women would dress in their finest attire and invite companions for a riverside stroll along the Jialing River, hoping to receive good fortune.

The festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Feb 20 at Huangze Temple, opening with a vibrant dance performance Sping Outing.

At Fengjie Street, a Tang-style marketplace will transport visitors back in time, featuring interactions with historical figures such as Empress Wu and Shangguan Wan'er, a renowned high-ranking female official of the Tang court. The marketplace will also showcase traditional handicrafts, sugar painting, and poetic competitions, providing guests with engaging cultural experiences.

Ten traditional games—including pitch-pot, an ancient entertainment that requires players to throw arrows from a set distance into a pot—will also be available at designated points. Participants collecting all 10 stamps can enter a daily prize draw, with 2,000 rewards up for grabs, including scenic attraction tickets, movie passes, and hotel discounts. Along the riverbank, three Tang-style photo zones will allow visitors to dress in traditional Han attire and capture memorable moments.

At the Qifeng Lake section of the Jialing River, a stunning nighttime spectacle will unfold, featuring illuminated boat parades, folk singing performances, and dazzling fire displays. Professional artists will present breathtaking molten iron fireworks and aerial stunts, including Chang'e Flying to the Moon and Fairy Scattering Flowers.

Aboard the Huangze No 7 cruise ship, an immersive theatrical performance will reenact the legendary birth of Empress Wu Zetian, with grand visuals of dragons and golden phoenixes soaring above the lake.

Adding to the festive spirit, special privileges will be offered to female visitors. On Feb 20, women will enjoy free admission to Huangze Temple and Qianfo Cliff Scenic Area. Additionally, those dressed in Han costumes for the Baicao Garden Lantern Festival will receive exclusive ticket discounts.