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The second season of the Dream of Xitang: Boat Stories parade is staged in Xitang ancient town, Jiaxing city, Zhejiang province, on Friday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The ancient water town of Xitang in East China's Zhejiang province launched the second season of its popular cultural event Dream of Xitang: Boat Stories on Friday evening.

With six elaborately decorated flower boats gliding gently along the town's scenic Xutang River, the night parade brought a poetic and immersive experience to life, blending Jiangnan's watery charm with rich theatrical traditions.

This year's event transforms the entire river into a flowing stage, where each boat tells a story inspired by one of life's enduring emotional chapters — encounter, courtship, love, dependence, understanding and commitment.