Reunion banquet held for seniors ahead of traditional Mid-Autumn Festival in Zhaoqing, Guangdong

As the Mid-Autumn Festival draws near, the spirit of reunion has already arrived at an elderly care service center in the Zhaoqing High Technology Industry Development Zone, South China's Guangdong Province.

The center hosted a special Mid-Autumn family banquet for seniors on Friday, several days ahead of the festival, which falls on September 25 this year and celebrates family reunion.

Seniors attend the Mid-Autumn family banquet in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on September 18, 2026. (Photo: Wang Zhenyu)

The banquet featured homemade dishes prepared by local seniors. Around a long shared table, nearly 30 elderly residents gathered to taste hometown cuisine, chat about neighborhood ties, and share the warmth of community. The approaching festival suddenly took on a richer, more heartfelt flavor.

Seniors enjoy the meal at the Mid-Autumn family banquet in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on September 18, 2026. (Photo: Wang Zhenyu)

During the meal, conversations grew warmer and livelier with every shared dish. Social workers on site also arranged short videos on Mid-Autumn customs, a prize-winning lantern-riddle contest, and fun interactive games. Everyone joined in enthusiastically, and laughter filled the room.

A senior takes part in a lantern-riddle contest during the Mid-Autumn family banquet in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on Friday. (Photo: Wang Zhenyu)

Seniors enjoy mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn family banquet in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on September 18, 2026. (Photo: Wang Zhenyu)

This simple family banquet carried genuine warmth. Using food as a bridge to share the taste of home, and with mutual support among neighbors as its starting point, the event created a platform for seniors to connect and interact. It encouraged elderly residents, including those living alone, to step out of their homes and experience the care and festive atmosphere of the center's "big family."

Seniors chat with one another while enjoying the meal at the Mid-Autumn family banquet in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on September 18, 2026. (Photo: Wang Zhenyu)

Looking ahead, the elderly care service center will continue to focus on the real needs of seniors, explore more innovative approaches, and organize additional warm, practical activities, further enhancing the sense of happiness, fulfillment, and belonging among the local elderly population.

Seniors raise a toast during the Mid-Autumn family banquet in Zhaoqing, South China's Guangdong Province, on September 18, 2026. (Photo: Wang Zhenyu)

(Photos provided by Zhaoqing High Technology Industry Development Zone)