A staff member in ancient Chinese attire interacts with tourists. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

The historic Xiangzhou trade port in Zhuhai's Xiangzhou district sprang back to life on April 18 and 19, hosting a vibrant cultural festival at Xiangzhoubu History Culture Block to celebrate the Shangsi Festival, also known as Sanyuesan.

The event marked a significant revitalization of this ancient port, which is recognized as the origin of Zhuhai's urban development. Established in 1909, Xiangzhou Trade Port was China's first duty-free commercial port.

The festivities, which coincided with the port's founding anniversary, aimed to revive the bustling atmosphere of the old wharf and integrate traditional customs with the district's rich historical context.

A new historical and cultural exhibition hall opened during the event, tracing the port's century-long evolution through vintage photographs, artifacts and archival footage.

Over 50 stalls offered intangible cultural heritage crafts, creative souvenirs, and local delicacies. Traditional games like pitch-pot drew crowds, while live performances of Chinese opera and nostalgic concerts echoed through the lanes. Staff in ancient costumes roamed the area, engaging visitors with interactive quizzes on community etiquette and environmental awareness.

To boost local commerce, the festival introduced a "silver note" currency system, allowing visitors to earn coupons through traditional activities and redeem them at local businesses. As night fell, the bustling night market illuminated the area, further energizing the local nighttime economy and starting a fresh chapter for the century-old commercial hub.