Staff members and youth volunteers from Mingzhu Residential Community in Pingchao town, Tongzhou district, visited a residential courtyard in an old neighborhood on Minzhu Road on Oct 18 to celebrate Double Ninth Festival, also known as Chongyang Festival, alongside elderly residents.

Observed on the ninth day of the ninth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, the festival is a traditional occasion for honoring and showing respect for elderly people.

Volunteers gather with elderly people to celebrate Double Ninth Festival. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Soft, sweet and sticky Chongyang cakes were gifted to the elderly residents, carrying wishes for good health and a comfortable life. The seniors sat together to enjoy the treats, chatted about their lives over the years and shared amusing stories about their retirement.

The gathering also featured a reading session, during which volunteers and residents discussed traditional customs, family values and health tips. Several retired residents shared stories from their own lives and families, offering younger participants insights into filial piety, respect for the elderly and mutual support among neighbors.

A community representative said Mingzhu Residential Community would continue organizing more activities to enrich residents' daily lives, fostering a stronger culture of respect and care for the elderly throughout the neighborhood.