On May 11, the tranquil rivers of Yongqing Village in Daojiao Town burst into joyful celebration as a grand collective wedding brought centuries-old water town traditions back to life. Amid beating drums and red boats, six couples, including one international pair, tied the knot in a ceremony that blended Chinese heritage with modern romance.

The wedding ceremony was steeped in traditional customs: grooms set out on red dragon boats to "fetch the brides," drums signaled good fortune, and symbolic rituals such as "gift exchanges" and "love declarations" were woven into interactive games. The journey culminated at Sanya Bridge, where the couples crossed a symbolic fire basin and completed the solemn three-bow ritual, expressing mutual respect, gratitude, and enduring commitment.

One of the highlights was the cross-cultural couple Benjamin from the United States and Kate from Belarus. Both teachers in Dongguan and passionate about Chinese culture, they met in Xi'an five years ago and have since made Dongguan their home. On this special day, they donned traditional Chinese wedding attire and pledged their love aboard a festively adorned dragon boat, drifting through Daojiao's historic waterways. 

As the crowd cheered from the riverbanks, the couple was visibly moved. "It's such a beautiful experience, deeply rooted in culture and filled with genuine joy," said Ben. "From the moment we stepped on the boat, we felt the warmth and blessings of the entire community. It's a memory we'll treasure forever."

"We were amazed by how meaningful every step was," said Kate, her eyes still glistening from the excitement. "Everyone was so welcoming and genuinely happy for us," Kate said. "The way they clapped, cheered, and even taught us the meanings behind the rituals made us feel like we truly belonged here." "This is a blast! One of the best experiences I've had in China." Ben added with a big smile.

Following the lively wedding cruise past iconic bridges and cheering crowds, the six couples performed the traditional "three bows" ceremony on land, exchanged vows, and signed their wedding books, sealing their promises with ink and heart.

With over 960,000 people watching via livestream and wedding scenes broadcast across 18 outdoor LED screens in the town, the event was not only a heartfelt celebration but also a vivid showcase of China's wedding heritage. Through the eyes of an international couple, the romantic traditions of Daojiao were given new life and global meaning.