Games Village gets into festive spirit

The gala, which was held around the Fountain Square on the Athletes' Village Commercial Street, showcased dancing, acrobatics, and magic performances, receiving unanimous praise. And some of the interactive cultural experiences in each of the villages attracted long queues.

"They were actively participating in these cultural activities," Wei pointed out.

Swimmer Cheng Camille Lily Mei, representing Hong Kong, China, was lucky to spend the festival with her family.

Her father, who resides in the United States, paid her a visit, resulting in a cherished moment of family reunion and an opportunity to share her joy in winning the bronze medal in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay.

During his visit, Cheng took her father on a tour of the Athletes' Village, proudly displaying her medal while they posed for pictures together.

Cheng's father shares her passion for sports.

"She started learning to swim at a young age, and I've been swimming alongside her since then," he said.

For 16-year-old swimmer, Lam Chi Chong, of Macao, China, it was his first time celebrating the festival away from home.

"In the past, I used to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at home with my family, cooking and enjoying mooncakes together," he reminisced.

To maintain a sense of tradition and ceremony, he carried mooncakes with him to share with his teammates.

Nasser Belshalat, deputy chef de mission of the United Arab Emirates' National Olympic Committee, heaped praise on the wide variety of cultural activities in the village.

"We had a great day today in China as we were celebrating the traditional Chinese festival together with the Chinese people," he said.

"Most of our athletes and officials will go out to see other places in Hangzhou, which is among the most beautiful cities that I've ever been to."