On October 29, the event was grandly held on Mount Heng, renowned as China’s "Longevity Mountain." Tens of thousands of tourists, local residents, birthday celebrants, golden wedding couples, and representatives from longevity towns around the world gathered to honor a millennia-old tradition celebrating health and longevity.  

At 11:00 a.m., steam rose from large pots arranged in two rows at Wanshou Square in Nanyue, filling the air with the fragrance of freshly cooked noodles. Upon the host’s announcement—"Longevity noodles served!"—volunteers distributed steaming bowls to attendees. With one hundred tables set up in unison, ten thousand people partook in a communal feast, where the aroma of noodles blended with laughter and joy, creating a heartwarming backdrop for the Chongyang Festival celebrations.  

Nanyue Hengshan has long embodied the aspiration for "longevity as enduring as the southern mountains." From Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty sending envoys to cast bronze "Golden Dragon" tablets for blessings, to Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty personally inscribing the words "Longevity Peak," and Emperor Kangxi bestowing the title "Mountain of Longevity," the site has preserved a profound cultural legacy. In 2024, it was officially recognized as a "World Longevity Village" by the United Nations Institute on Ageing, further affirming its status as a living heritage of longevity culture.  

During the ceremony, nine "Shouyue Longevity Stars" took the stage with vitality, while performers portraying the "Magu Fairy" presented symbolic longevity peaches. The audience responded with warm applause, expressing heartfelt wishes for health and good fortune. Nine golden wedding couples reaffirmed their lifelong commitment through a traditional hair-tying ritual, their weathered smiles reflecting decades of companionship and mutual care.  

On the sidelines, elderly participants performed "Pine and Crane Longevity," a Tai Chi routine blending strength and grace. In the "Ancient Charm and Youth" conical hat fashion show, grandmothers walked with poise and dignity, exemplifying the modern ideal of "aging with vitality." In the "Calligraphy for Longevity and Good Fortune" zone, Buddhist and Taoist figures alongside calligraphers created works imbued with auspicious meanings, which became cherished festival souvenirs. Meanwhile, in the "Fushou Ankang" area, healthcare professionals offered free medical consultations to senior citizens.  

In the afternoon, a symposium on the coordinated development of global longevity towns was convened in Nanyue. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on integrating "longevity culture" with ecological tourism and cultural industries. As a newly designated "World Longevity Town," Nanyue’s recognition stems from its exceptional ecological environment. Data indicates that forest coverage in the core scenic area reaches 92.8%, with an average concentration of negative oxygen ions at 26,000 per cubic centimeter—conditions highly conducive to wellness tourism. In recent years, the region has advanced the integration of longevity culture and the health and wellness industry, attracting over 13 million wellness tourists annually.  

The symposium concluded with a significant consensus on the sustainable development of longevity initiatives. Attendees unanimously agreed to jointly protect the ecological foundations—the very "source of longevity"; collaborate on scientific research to decode longevity mechanisms and promote innovation; and expand industrial cooperation to build a cross-regional health and wellness cluster.  

As night fell, the Nanyue Li Folk Culture and Food Street remained vibrant with festive energy. Buffet-style longevity noodles continued to be served, while dazzling fireworks illuminated the sky, culminating in a jubilant celebration.  

"I brought my parents here from Guangdong. They enjoyed climbing the mountain for blessings and immersing themselves in longevity culture—they were delighted like children," said Mr. Liu, a visiting tourist, echoing the sentiments of many attendees. In recent years, Nanyue District has implemented initiatives such as establishing senior education centers and recognizing "Top Ten Filial Stars" to promote a societal ethos of respecting and caring for the elderly.  

A single bowl of noodles carries forward a thousand-year-old cultural heritage of health and longevity. Ten thousand people gathering in celebration bear witness to a contemporary movement of honoring the elderly. This Chongyang Festival, Nanyue embraced tradition with simplicity and warmth, transforming the ancient ideal of "longevity like the southern mountains" into a tangible experience held close to the heart.