A drum performance during the launch ceremony of the Butterfly Lake Summer Nights Cultural Festival in Qidong, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The launch ceremony for the Butterfly Lake Summer Nights Cultural Festival was held on July 22 in Qidong, Nantong, offering a vibrant mix of performances, including traditional fisherman's work songs, dances, and pingtan (a form of storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect).

In addition to the captivating performances, the event featured various zones showcasing intangible cultural heritage items, agricultural products, books, and photographs.

The agricultural products area was particularly popular, with an array of seasonal fruits like grapes, peaches, and melons.

The summer nights series will host 17 cultural performances, including a singing competition and galas, running until the end of August.

Inaugurated in 2022, the festival aims to offer more nightlife options for residents and boost the nighttime economy.