An artist perform at a exhibition at the Fifth China (Xihe) Qiqiao Cultural Summit Forum, August 7, 2013. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Qiqiao beats all other festivals nationwide in terms of history, the quality of its singing and dancing performances, the sincerity of its participants, the unity of its different events, and its number of participants. The festival is known as the "living fossil" of ancient Chinese customs.

Qiqiao starts on the eve of the first day of the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar and ends on the night of the seventh day of the seventh month. It is a comprehensive seasonal festivity incorporating tributes to the goddess, poetry, music, dancing, handicrafts and fine art.

The festival offers young girls an opportunity to express and appreciate beauty in all its forms and shapes, which promotes the harmony in both families and neighborhoods. As a result, the Qiqiao Festival plays a positive role in both the girls' healthy road to adulthood as well as the construction of a harmonious society.

Ethnic, cultural and religious experts, archaeologists and scholars attended the summit and conducted discussions about how to explore the festival in particular and culture in general. The summit is part of 10 celebratory activities held in honor of the Qiqiao Festival, including musical creations, singing and dancing performances, short film productions, cartoon creations and the publishing of academic works.

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