Chongqing - The 2024 Fengdu Temple Fair, a national intangible cultural heritage spectacle, unfolded as expected on April 11. Crowds thronged the vicinity of the Light Grand Hotel's elevated terrace in Fengdu County, eagerly anticipating the commencement of the festivities. The air resonated with the harmonious blend of the Manghao (a traditional wind instrument), drums, and Bianzhong (time-honored Chinese chime bells), signaling the start of the vital sacrificial ceremony integral to the fair's parade.

During the ceremony, an array of musical and dance performances captivated the audience, with the Shengu (a traditional drum primarily used for religious ceremonies and ritualistic activities), Manghao, and bells synchronizing to create a mesmerizing soundscape. Attendees recited sacred texts in unison, led by the priest, while civil and military dignitaries, along with couples symbolizing the Yintianzi (Emperor of the Underworld) and his consort, presented an assortment of grains, livestock, flowers, and exquisite wines. This act of homage to the celestial, terrestrial, and ancestral realms was a heartfelt request for blessings.

Subsequently, the vibrant street parade set off, its procession punctuated by the rhythmic beats of gongs, drums, and the Manghao. An assemblage of floats paraded through a two-kilometer stretch, with over a thousand performers showcasing an eclectic mix of dances, dragon and lion dances, juggling acts, and musical performances. These acts, embodying Fengdu's unique cultural and folkloric essence through performances like the Shengu Dance, Bamboo Drum Dance, and Lion Dance, enthralled the onlookers. The interaction between the colorful NPC characters and the multitude of participants infused the event with a dynamic and congenial vibe, offering a cultural extravaganza to both tourists and locals.

The parade scene buzzed with excitement, as spectators, stacked in rows on either side of the thoroughfare, awaited the grand matrimonial procession of the Yin Emperor. The float parade, a visual feast, held the rapt attention of a diverse audience, with many capturing the enchanting moments of the Fengdu Temple Fair through their lenses, thereby creating cherished memories.

The parade's finale and the subsequent carnival ceremony saw performances by groups representing international friendships and Fengdu's intangible cultural heritage. In a highlight, 150 dancers executed a flash mob to a trendy tune while numerous staff members engaged with attendees, amplifying the event's cheerful ambiance.

This year, the Fengdu Temple Fair's theme showcased the ethos of love, enriching the age-old festival with fresh cultural nuances. As explained by Jiang Yihong, the chief director, the parade's narrative revolved around a mythical love story, articulated through the floats and performances, chronicling the mythical romance of the Yintianzi and his wife from their fateful encounter to their blossoming love.

Noteworthy was the increase in the size of this year's floats, with the largest extending up to 16 meters. The inclusion of interactive teams featuring cosplayers trailing the conventional troupes amplified the parade's allure, offering spectators an intimate experience of China's intangible cultural heritage. A communal carnival act added a concluding high note to the parade, with the floats stationed afterward for public viewing and photo opportunities.

Simultaneously with the 2024 Fengdu Temple Fair, the 9th Chongqing Cultural Tourism Consumer-Benefit Season (Spring-Summer) was inaugurated, injecting vitality into the cultural and tourism sectors. This initiative, a collaborative endeavor across the city's cultural, tourism, and industry associations, introduced a plethora of activities and incentives designed to stimulate consumption. The event's objective is to fast-track Chongqing's evolution into an international consumer hub and cultural stronghold, leveraging Fengdu's rich natural and cultural assets to create engaging consumption experiences and draw extensive participation from both locals and visitors.

During the vibrant opening ceremony, attendees were treated to an exquisite array of cultural and tourism highlights from Chongqing's diverse districts and counties, spotlighting Fengdu's distinctive intangible cultural heritage and gastronomic offerings. This meticulously orchestrated event provided more than just entertainment; it offered a dynamic platform for local businesses and enterprises to engage with the community, showcasing their products and services. Through immersive cultural narratives and interactive experiences, the season aims to deepen the connection between participants and Chongqing's cultural heritage, driving the growth and vibrancy of the city's cultural tourism and consumer landscape.