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Dancer Sun Yitong portrays Xi Shi on a riverside stage in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

During the Spring Festival holiday, the "Encounter with Xi Shi" night cruise along the Huansha River in Shaoxing has become a cultural sensation, attracting crowds to the historic hometown of Xi Shi (one of the "four beauties" in ancient China).

As night falls, the banks of the Huansha River light up with twinkling lights, providing the perfect backdrop for a waterborne performance centered on the legendary tale of Xi Shi's journey to the State of Wu during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

After boarding cruise ships, tourists are treated to a mesmerizing spectacle as Xi Shi dances gracefully on a central stage.

This innovative "Encounter with Xi Shi" night cruise combines traditional storytelling with modern theatricality, employing cutting-edge technology to create a captivating blend of live performance, visual artistry, and water effects.

 Covering a 6.6-kilometer round trip from Xi Shi's former residence to the Maozhu Wharf Bridge, the 55-minute spectacle unfolds against the backdrop of picturesque riverbanks.

At the heart of this cultural phenomenon is Sun Yitong, who hails from the distant province of Jilin. From mastering street dance and gymnastics in her early years to her formal training at Jilin University of Arts, Sun's dedication to performance has remained steadfast her whole life.