All the fun of the fair
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Details of Cen Xinguo's painting on display. Photo: Lu Yun and Li Yuting/GT |
Changing with the times
Although the fair appeals to many families, the latterday version doesn't impress everyone.
"This year, I can hardly sense the old familiar flavor of the Longhua Temple Fair as it once was," Chen Feifei, a 26-year-old Shanghai-born visitor told the Global Times.
"Sure, it offers more alternatives in terms of entertainment and cultural education, but it doesn't have any of the highlights of the past such as the various snack stalls and cheap goods trading."
Xu Lingzhi, chief of marketing at the Shanghai Xuhui District Tourism Bureau has been involved in the Longhua Temple Fair since 1998, and she said she sympathized with visitors' concerns.
"This year, the relocation of the fair required us to improve its attractiveness, both in terms of culture and tradition, and to make it more accessible to young people," Xu told the Global Times. "Luckily, the brand of the 'Longhua Temple Fair' is deeply rooted in Shanghai citizens' hearts as an important part of their heritage passed down from their ancestors."
Longhua Temple Fair
The Longhua Temple Fair first started during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and takes place annually from the third day of the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar.
Local legend has it that this was the Parinirvana day, or a memorial day, for the Maitreya Buddha, which attracted many followers to gather in Longhua Temple. The event also happens at the same time as the full blooming of peach blossom trees in the Longhua town area. To coincide with the official Qingming holiday period, the festival this year is held earlier than usual.
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