Today,festivities（慶祝活動(dòng)） centered about the Mid-Autumn Festival are more varied. After a family reunion dinner, many people like to go out to attend [??tend](參加) special perfomances（表演） in parks or on public squares.

People in different parts of China have different ways to celebrate（慶祝） the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Guangzhou in South China, a huge lantern [?l?nt?n](燈籠) show is a big attraction for local citizens. Thousands of differently shaped lanterns are lit, forming a fantastic contrast(極大的對(duì)比) with the bright moonlight.

In East Chia's Zhejiang Province, watching the flood tide of the Qian-tang River during the Mid-Autumn Festival is not only a must for local peple, but also an attraction for those from other parts of the country. The ebb and flow of tides(潮漲潮落) coincide with the waxing and waning of the moon as it exerts a strong gravitational(重力的) pull. In mid autumn, the sun, earth and moon send out strong gravitational forces(地心引力) upon the seas. The mouth of the Qiantang River is shaped like a bugle. So the flood tide which forms at the narrow mouth is particularly impressive(給人印象深刻地). Spectators(觀(guān)眾) crowd on the river bank,watching the roaring waves. At its peak, the tide rises as high as three and a half meters.