A host introduces the local specialty Huishan clay figurines to an expat during a livestreaming at the event on Sept 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The day ended with a feast of mooncakes and local specialties such as steamed buns accompanied by performances from foreigners and some Chinese opera at the beautiful Chinese Opera Wharf.

According to Husnain Raza, an international student from Jiangnan University, the occasion provided a chance not only to explore new places but also to meet more people from around the world. “The traditional performances were amazing, you could never see them anywhere else,” he added.

The event was also a lot of fun for children as they explored the city’s culture.

Cheng Wanlan and her two sons pose for a photo at the Chinese Opera Wharf on Sept 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

According to Cheng Wanlan, a local mother who brought her two sons to the event, the kids found it interesting to learn traditional Chinese culture just by taking a walk. For them, the day’s festival experience was unforgettable.

The cultural event also meant a lot to the British family of Lee Brown and Jessica Boulton and their three daughters who had arrived in Wuxi just seven weeks ago. “The people have been so hospitable and friendly towards us. Today was an opportunity to see beautiful Wuxi from noon until night! We had an amazing time with people i can now call friends!” said Jessica.

Jessica Boulton’s three little daughters have fun at the entrance of the Chinese Opera Wharf on Sept 22. [Photo by Mao Weijun/chinadaily.com.cn]

Mid-Autumn Festival is the second-biggest festival after the Chinese New Year. This year it falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, Sept 24. It's a time when families come together to appreciate the full moon and eat mooncakes.

The Mid-Autumn Festival party is one of a series of cultural events of "Love in Wuxi" organized by the city’s publicity department. Government officials such as Mi Junchu, deputy secretary general of the Wuxi municipal government, and Cai Wenyi, deputy head of the Wuxi publicity department, attended the launching ceremony and sent festival wishes to one and all.