WND's Taibo Temple Fair included in UNESCO-recognized Spring Festival practices

The Taibo Temple Fair is held in Wuxi New District, or Xinwu district, on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

"Spring Festival: Social Practices of the Chinese People in Celebration of Traditional New Year" was inscribed onto the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 19th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay. 

The inscription highlights various cultural practices across China, including the Taibo Temple Fair in Wuxi New District, one of Jiangsu's national-level intangible cultural heritage items. Originating from ancestral worship in ancient times, the Taibo Temple Fair has since evolved into a multifaceted folk gathering featuring rituals, parades, performances, local markets, and cultural entertainment.

A stilt walking performance is held during the 2024 Taibo Temple Fair. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

Scheduled for the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, the Taibo Temple Fair in 2024 introduced new parade groups and a qipao ensemble. Traditional performances like dragon dances, stilt walking, and diabolo spinning accompanied these modern additions. 

Visitors can also enjoy local delicacies, including Cai A'shui lamb, Qian's traditional rice wine, Meili noodles, and Maotangqiao braised pork head.

In addition, the fair hosts stalls showcasing intangible heritage crafts and regional specialties, offering a vibrant taste of the New Year.

The Taibo Temple Fair attracts crowds of people. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]