Ningxia community hosts grand family reunion of over 2,000 people

A park at the foot of the Helan Mountains in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, became the setting for an unusual community feast on Sept 13, as more than 2,000 residents gathered for a mass family reunion dinner.

Taoli Chunfeng Starry Sky Park hosted the event, which blended a drone show, a thousand-strong choir, and live band performances. Families, neighbors, new homeowners, and long-time residents shared food and stories around more than 200 tables laid out across the lawn.

Authentic local dishes, such as roasted lamb legs and braised fish, were served alongside home-cooked favorites contributed by the attendees. In the preparation of this large-scale banquet, nearly 400 homeowners were invited to co-create the event's programs. Everything from choreography and costumes to atmosphere design and rehearsals was voluntarily organized.

The evening opened with the Seeing Helan art troupe performing traditional song and dance. Later, 500 drones lit up the night sky with messages including "Welcome Home, Family", while familiar tunes prompted sing-alongs, and young people waved phone flashlights in time to the music.