Guangzhou ancient temple fair revived

"Boluodan" or the Temple Fair of Nanhai Temple is the biggest traditional event in southern Guangzhou province. It usually falls on the 11th day of the second month on the lunar calendar. But it's earlier this year because the original three-day festival will now run for one week.

Nanhai Temple or South Sea God Temple is China's best-preserved ancient temple where people pray to the god of sea. It was built in Sui Dynasty, more than 14 hundred years ago. For many centuries, the biggest traditional temple fair of Guangdong province has been held here each year. Now, foreign performers from countries such as Russia and Spain will also take the stage.

One of the highlights will be the ancient ceremony to pray to the god of sea on the opening day. There will also be a diverse program of folk culture activities.

Zhang Runhua, Vice Director of Guangzhou Tourism Bureau said "We want to protect the intangible heritage through various folk culture activities. Some protection methods have been blended into the promoting of folk culture. Some traditional programs will also be revived on this platform. "

One and half million visitors have attended the temple fair over the past three years. It's on the list of the provincial intangible cultural heritage and has become one of the major attractions of Guangzhou province. The temple fair starts on Sunday.