More than 50 couples attend a group wedding on Chinese Valentine's Day in Xiamen, Fujian province on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

More than 50 couples - partners from Taiwan and the Chinese mainland - celebrated Chinese Valentine's Day in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Thursday. Some had been married for decades and others were newly engaged.

Men and women dressed in red Chinese outfits went through a group wedding ceremony under the guidance of a host. They shared their stories, and some celebrated by singing or playing musical instruments.

The activity was hosted by the Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office in Xiamen's Huli district.

Marriages are a strong force in exchanges between the two sides, the host said.

A family of three attends a group wedding on Chinese Valentine's Day in Xiamen, Fujian province on Thursday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]