A traditional Ming Dynasty-style water wedding unfolded along the waterways of Anchang Ancient Town in Shaoxing on Feb 10. The bride was French travel and food blogger Mylene Mathieu, who now resides in Shanghai due to her deep love for Chinese culture, and the groom was her Chinese husband.

Several festively decorated black-awning boats glided under ancient bridges and through the waterway. Mylene, adorned in an elaborate phoenix coronet and traditional red bridal attire, sat gracefully in the lead boat, smiling and greeting visitors gathered along the banks. 

The wedding ceremony strictly followed ancient Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) rituals, including the Bridal Departure Ceremony, Groom Greeting Ceremony, and Ancestor Worship Ceremony. The couple met on the water, joined hands, and completed their traditional blessings in a scene that was both solemn and heartwarming.

"Anchang Ancient Town is both historic and full of vibrant, everyday life," Mylene said in fluent Chinese after the ceremony. "Experiencing a Ming-style water wedding here and feeling the unique local customs means so much to me. What touched me most today was receiving so many sincere blessings from strangers — it was incredibly warm and moving."

In 2025, Anchang Ancient Town hosted over 10 such Ming Dynasty-style water weddings. Local authorities aim to promote the concept of "simple banquet, meaningful ceremony" through these traditional weddings, helping more people appreciate the ritual beauty of Chinese wedding customs.