These vibrant, heart-shaped tokens hanging from trees and walls are "wish plaques," a charming and popular tradition throughout China, especially in places associated with culture and art. Much like "love locks" found on bridges in Europe, these plaques allow people to write down their hopes, prayers, or dedications and hang them in a significant spot. Each heart likely holds a wish or a message written by a visitor. While many are personal, some might contain classic well-wishes. For example, some of the characters visible on the plaques include "幸福快乐" (xìngfú kuàilè), which means "happy and joyful," or "友谊地久天长" (yǒuyì dì jiǔ tiān cháng), meaning "may our friendship last forever." You can also see "中考顺利" (zhōngkǎo shùnlì), a wish for success on the high school entrance examination, and "天天开心" (tiāntiān kāixīn), meaning "happy every day." The phrase "我愛你" (wǒ ài nǐ) meaning "I love you" is also visible, indicating wishes related to romance. This practice taps into a universal human desire to express hope and to leave a personal mark in a memorable place. These particular wish plaques are found near the Cantonese Opera Art Museum in Guangzhou, a district known for its cultural heritage. The explosion of color from these hundreds of individual expressions creates a beautiful and unique display, transforming a simple street into a living tapestry of collective aspirations and heartfelt sentiments. It’s a wonderful example of how everyday traditions can add a layer of personal meaning and visual delight to a public space.