Shenzhen's largest temple fair kicks off in Bao'an

A temple fair kicked off today at the North Deity Ancient Temple in Xixiang Subdistrict, Bao’an District, to celebrate Sanyuesan — the third day of the third month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on April 19 this year. 

Yingge dancers bring vibrant energy to the Sanyuesan Temple Fair of Beidi (the North Deity), which kicked off today in Xixiang, Bao’an District. Liu Xudong

The nine-day fair, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage event and the largest traditional temple fair in Shenzhen, will feature not only a grand parade of 96 teams along a 3-kilometer route, but also intangible cultural heritage performances and delicious food.

The 500-year-old temple fair is a traditional celebration of the birthday of Beidi, a deity traditionally worshiped in southern and eastern China for his connection to water. 

The birthday is usually celebrated on Sanyuesan. The festivities will reach their zenith with a ceremony that sees the statue of Beidi return to his temple seat, an opulent pun choi banquet, and the traditional ritual of offering a roasted suckling pig on that day.

Crowds gather to admire a flower- and lantern-decorated boat during the Water Fair on the Xixiang River in Bao’an yesterday. Photos by Bao'an Daily unless otherwise stated

One of the fair’s highlights was the debut of a Water Fair on the Xixiang River last night. Participants used brushes to write their wishes on lanterns — prayers for peace, academic success, or unspoken words of affection — before setting them afloat to carry their messages downstream on the gentle current.

A total of 400 lanterns flickered on the water, creating a warm, flowing tapestry of light. For long-time residents of Bao'an, the scene was particularly moving, as they have witnessed the dramatic evolution of the Xixiang River from a neglected waterway into a scenic "urban waterfront living room" where people now linger and celebrate.

Children show their hand-drawn lanterns as residents release glowing lanterns into the Xixiang River during the water fair in Bao’an yesterday, celebrating the begining of Xixiang Beidi Sanyuesan Temple Fair.

The Water Fair will continue to captivate spectators until April 19, featuring four fish-lantern boats carrying musicians playing traditional instruments. The local bridges have been adorned in elegant classical styles, while Hanfu enthusiasts will parade along the banks to promote water conservation through art and tradition.

For those who missed the initial lantern release, a second opportunity awaits Sunday evening. Another 400 lanterns will be available for free at the Xixiang River Greenway. Half are reserved for online registration, while the remaining 200 will be distributed on‑site starting at 6 p.m. on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

Lanterns bearing handwritten wishes drift along the Xixiang River during the Water Fair in Bao’an on Monday, casting a warm glow across the water as part of the Xixiang Beidi Sanyuesan Temple Fair.

More info on second lantern release

Time: 7:10 p.m. to 8:10 p.m., April 19

Venue: Xixiang River Greenway

How to participate:  400 lanterns will be provided free of charge. Half (200) are reserved for online registration, while the remaining 200 will be distributed on-site on the first-come, first-served basis starting at 6 p.m.

Schedule of fish lantern performances:

April 14: 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

April 19: 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; 2:30 p.m.-3 p.m.; 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m.; 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.