Saturday marks a traditional day for the elderly in China-the Chong Yang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, as it falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. And the residents of a nursing home in the northern Chinese city of Taiyuan were treated to a special show to mark the occasion. Our reporter Hu Chao takes a look.
Seasonal songs of joy. As the Chong Yang Festival approaches, the Shanxi Symphony Orchestra and the Ai Zhi Yin Chorus have made a surprise appearance. The 500 or so seniors in the audience are thrilled to get the opportunity to hear such talented singers and musicians.
MA RUHUA SHANXI PROVINCIAL HOME FOR SENIORS "I feel happy and excited about the performance. And I've been living here for six months. It's much better than living at home. The care workers take care of everything for us."
With the 19th CPC National Congress having ended earlier this week, the performances center around the theme of the Communist Party of China.The country is eager to improve its support network for senior citizens, and the residents and care workers are confident the Party can deliver on its promises.
GUO XIUYING SHANXI PROVINCIAL HOME FOR SENIORS "After I heard General Secretary Xi Jinping's report, I really hope I can live longer to witness our country embracing its bright future. And I believe our country will ensure a better life for the elderly."
ZHANG MIN, CHIEF OF NURSING DEPT. SHANXI PROVINCIAL HOME FOR SENIORS "General Secretary Xi said the country will build better policy mechanisms and social environments for the elderly. We feel he's quite concerned about the elderly people, and we all feel very encouraged that we will provide better care."
Hu Chao, CGTN, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province.