Jincun Temple Fair in Zhangjiagang. [Video/Zhangjiagang Converged Media Center]
Jincun Temple Fair, a national-level intangible cultural heritage event, kicked off in Jincun village, Zhangjiagang, on May 24.
Originating in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), Jincun Temple Fair has a history of over 800 years. In 2011, it was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item, and in 2014, it was recognized as a national project. It is celebrated as "the people's temple fair, a living tradition".
The temple fair began with the resounding sound of gongs and drums. After that, a traditional folk performance procession, composed of over 500 villagers, paraded along the ancient stone-paved paths. Performances such as dragon and lion dances, basket carrying, and boat swinging delighted the residents and offered a visual feast.
In addition to the folk performance parade, local specialties such as rice cakes, Jincun rice, and dried tofu, along with intangible cultural heritage handicrafts like sugar paintings, were displayed on-site, allowing residents and tourists to taste authentic local flavors and experience the charm of traditional celebration.
Notably, this year's fair featured a special immersive garden tour that attracted a large crowd. Wangjia Garden was transformed into a live-action theater, which offered interactive performances, educational experiences, an ancient-style marketplace, and traditional game challenges.