Temple fair in Wuxi draws vast crowds with vibrant folk performances, cultural festivities

The Taibo Temple Fair commenced in Meili Ancient Town, Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on Feb 6, marking the ninth day of the Chinese New Year. This event was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2024, recognizing it as a significant cultural practice associated with Spring Festival. The fair was inaugurated with considerable enthusiasm and celebration.

This year's folk performance parade blended traditional cultural displays with modern elements such as flash mobs, creating an interactive and immersive experience. New additions included a team of international participants and a traditional Chinese clothing procession.

The market alongside the temple fair was equally bustling, with visitors enjoying an array of traditional delicacies, folk crafts, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and interactive games.

Ekaterina Vorobeva, a Russian student from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, shared her excitement: "This is my first time attending the Taibo Temple Fair, and I'm mesmerized by all the lively performances, vibrant costumes, and incredible activities! The most amazing part for me was the dragon dance — it looked like the dragon had come to life. This is one of my most vivid and memorable experiences in China so far."

This year, Wuxi gained worldwide attention as one of the venues for the 2025 Spring Festival Gala. Meili Ancient Town, a featured filming location, has become a top travel destination. During the Spring Festival holiday, the town welcomed over 1.35 million visitors.