It was the second day of the National Day holidays, and a typical rural household courtyard in Jinzhong, North China's Shanxi Province, had been newly adorned for celebration. Red festive decorations could be seen everywhere. In the center of the courtyard, a classical Chinese-style red ceremonial archway had been set up. On both sides of the red carpet stood golden fences and intricately carved wooden lanterns. At the end of the carpet, the large, red characters representing "Double Happiness" and blooming golden peonies decorated the backdrop, while at the center stood the traditional "Heaven and Earth Table" awaiting the soon-to-be newlyweds.

Here, a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony was about to take place. The bride, Du Xiaolei, and groom, Dong Ming, were nervously preparing in a bedroom temporarily converted into a dressing room.

The bride told the Global Times that she was drawn to the rituality of a traditional Chinese wedding. On the most important days of her own life, she hoped to begin her new chapter of happiness with a solemn, ancient tradition.

The uniquely Chinese phoenix coronets, embroidered crimson robes, and festive decor are increasingly favored by the younger generation.

Huang Kaixuan, a professional wedding host from Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, told the Global Times that in the past, fewer than 10 percent of the total weddings each year were held in the traditional Chinese style, but now, the number has risen to 20 or even 30 percent. Driven by growing demand, professional teams specializing in planning Chinese-style weddings have emerged. According to Huang, the number of professional Chinese wedding hosts and ritual staff in the industry has increased by 20 to 30 percent in recent years.

"New couples tell me that through every part of the ceremony, they can feel the enduring charm of Chinese civilization. This feeling is passed on to more young people, leading them to choose Chinese-style weddings when they marry," Huang said. "This is a sign of our cultural confidence."

Heaven, earth as witness

As the host recited the ceremony in a clear, resonant voice, the elegant sounds of classical Chinese music filled the air. Under the host's guidance, the ceremonial matron offered incense in prayer. After the ritual, the groom, dressed in a red wedding suit, entered taking a deep bow. The bride, resplendent in ornate robes and with a fan hiding her face, walked down the red carpet. The matron combed her hair and straightened her crown, after which the bride and groom, holding a red silk ribbon symbolizing their union, stepped onto the stage together. Under the host's guidance, they completed a series of rites: hair-binding, worshipping Heaven and Earth, honoring their parents, and bowing to each other.

Friends and family surrounded the stage, capturing every moment on their phones or cameras. Many guests remarked that the Chinese-style setting, clothing, and solemn rituals were especially beloved by older family members. Traditional elements such as red lanterns, stone bridges, pavilions, and corridors created a poetic and picturesque atmosphere, transporting everyone back in time.

During the ceremony, all held their breath, quietly enjoying the visual feast, deeply moved by the unique charm of the Chinese wedding. Even couples who had not yet married expressed a deeper interest in having a Chinese-style wedding themselves.

The bride's love for Chinese weddings had begun after attending such a ceremony. To prepare for her own, she started planning months in advance. The immersive experience began with makeup and choosing her wedding dress. Though the process was time-consuming and her elaborate headdress heavy, a joyful smile never left her face - Her happiness was unmistakable.

"What other wedding dress can compare to the majesty of a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes? The moment I heard the host announce 'the ceremony is complete,' I knew this was the wedding I had always wanted," she said.

The courtyard was filled with happiness, and just outside, even more excitement was in the air. To match the wedding's Chinese theme, the groom's parents invited members of the local folk performance troupe. Drums thundered in the courtyard, and performers entertained guests with traditional acts such as land boat rowing, drawing rounds of applause.

Creativity beyond tradition

Today, Chinese-style weddings are mainly divided into two categories: "new Chinese-style" weddings and weddings inspired by different dynasties.

Dynasty weddings are further classified into subcategories according to the dynasty from which they draw inspiration. Each type blends ancient customs and rituals with adaptations for modern life and practical needs.

In terms of props, costumes, and scenery, the wedding style is first determined by the couple, then personalized with favored motifs or themes - adding a creative touch to the traditional framework, Huang explained.

Take Du and Dong as an example. They hired a wedding planner to help design the event and made adjustments based on family wishes.

For months, they scoured online shops for unique props, prepared elegant traditional outfits for elders, and found a favorite photographer on social media to serve as the event's special guest photographer.

The wedding procession to escort the bride, though typically done by car, included a lion dance troupe and drummers. Both families' elders were invited to give speeches, with classical Chinese written especially for the occasion.

After the formal rites, friends and family performed, offered blessings, and interacted with the couple, adding laughter and warmth to the celebration.

"The segments of a Chinese wedding can be adjusted according to the couple's wishes, but its essence remains unchanged. The grandeur and profound sense of ritual it conveys cannot be matched by any other wedding style," said Huang.