This year marks the 988th anniversary of the birth of Su Dongpo, perhaps the best-known mayor of Hangzhou ever in history. A celebration was held, therefore, in memory of him by the West Lake, allowing people to understand more about the great figure. This would also help make the name widespread as a signature culture of the city.

Meihexuan is the venue where the event was hosted. The place was splendidly colored with elements all in the so-called Song style, like cloth banners and ancient scrolls, creating a vibe reminiscent of the era. Actors and actresses, clad in ancient attire, played the role of NPC (non-player characters) leading visitors through a series of engaging activities, including poetry, Dongpo Pork cooking, and quiz, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in classical Chinese literature while enjoying a feast of culture, cuisine, wine, and tea.

Scenes back to the Song Dynasty was reproduced, providing a glimpse into the life through tea, wine, and food. It represented a picture of how the city looked like a millennium ago.

Looking ahead, there will be more events seen by the West Lake to provide a greater insight into the mayor. It caters for people fantasizing a life back to the glorious days.