Cross-River Unions Refresh Traditions with Modern Weddings in Shandong’s Yanggu

LIAOCHENG, China, Sept. 4, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

“Today’s group marriage certification ceremony felt so refreshing — simple yet meaningful. It celebrated love without extravagance, blending joy and romance while upholding civility. For us, it was truly special. We promise to respect each other, build a thrifty home, promote modern wedding practices, and nurture lasting happiness!” said Gong Yihong, a newlywed, at the Lion Tower Scenic Area in Yanggu County, Liaocheng, on August 29.

Yanggu County in Shandong Province borders Taiqian and Fan Counties in Henan Province, leading to increasingly close interactions and exchanges in social, economic, and cultural aspects, with cross-province marriages becoming common. To advance collaborative efforts in modernizing wedding traditions and fostering civilized, frugal, and harmonious modern wedding practices, the publicity departments of the three counties jointly hosted the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) group certification ceremony titled “Two Rivers’ Vow: Mountains and Rivers Unite.”

At 9:30 a.m., the event commenced with a solemn collective vow. Nine couples, hand in hand, pledged their lifelong commitment in the presence of family and community witnesses. Officials of nine departments from civil affairs bureaus across the three counties presented marriage certificates to the newlyweds, underscoring the warmth and significance of the registry service.

During the event, the newlyweds signed a Civilized Wedding Customs Pledge and received gift packs. Couples later shared their cross-province love stories, voicing support for simplified ceremonies and their hopes for building a harmonious future together.

“Through this dignified yet minimalist ceremony and collective vow, we aim to shift focus from extravagant wedding displays to the essence of marital commitment. Meanwhile, this initiative also strengthens regional cooperation, facilitating joint efforts in modernizing traditions and sharing outcomes across provincial borders,” explained Shi Xiaoshu, an official in the spiritual civilization work at the Publicity Department of Yanggu County Party Committee.

Source: Information Office of Yanggu County People’s Government