The bustling pathways of Yu’er Village in Shekou erupted with joy on Feb. 10 as the community gathered for the time-honored Kaiding Festival, a centuries-old event aimed at blessing residents with prosperity and many children.

This year’s celebrations marked the 25th consecutive year that Yu’er villagers have honored the cultural heritage, which originated from Shanwei City in Guangdong Province during the late Yuan (1271-1368) Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The village welcomed 15 newborns last year, all of whom joined their parents in seeking blessings at this year’s festivities.

Held annually on the 13th day of the first lunar month, the Kaiding Festival revolves around the preparation and sharing of a special snack known as Kaiding Tea. Lanterns were hung outside homes across the village. Each household prepared an ample supply, typically enough to serve 200 to 300 people, to offer to relatives, friends, and even strangers who visit their homes. Villagers believe that the more guests a household welcomes, the greater the blessings for the family. As a testament to this tradition, guests knocking on doors were met with a generous serving of Kaiding Tea.