Chang Zhipeng 57589527@qq.com THE Splendid China ? China Folk Culture Villages theme park launched its grand summer carnival Friday, which will run through Aug. 31. This midsummer celebration bridges ancient and modern times, blending rich culture with vibrant energy. The carnival offers a wide range of experiences within its immersive themed zones, including a water-splashing party, two fire and water-splashing parades, four traditional Chinese performances, and over 100 interactive shows. This year, the water-splashing square has been upgraded to showcase the beautiful culture of the Dai ethnic group, who hail from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Water play projects and equipment have also been upgraded. At 3 p.m. daily, parade floats will invite guests to join the Dai water-splashing carnival. Additionally, a variety of snacks and refreshing drinks from Yunnan will be available to delight visitors’ taste buds. After nightfall, the new fire dance carnival parade will light up the area, offering a spectacular fusion of water and fire. On weekend evenings, the theme park will feature intangible cultural heritage performances such as iron flower displays and fire pot shows. For middle school and high school graduates, tickets are available at half price. Local residents may purchase unlimited-entry summer passes — 119 yuan (US$16.6) for children and 229 yuan for adults — that are valid from the date of purchase through Aug. 31. Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (華僑城站),Exit D | 