2025 Foshan Zumiao Temple Fair to open in late March

The 2025 Foshan Zumiao Temple Fair, a national-level intangible cultural heritage event with a history spanning centuries, is set to captivate visitors from March 29 to April 1.

This vibrant festival, themed "Lingnan Sacredness, Time-Honored Traditions," will showcase the essence of Lingnan culture through four core activities: solemn rituals, the North Emperor (Beidi) Procession, opera performances, and festive banquets. Here's your ultimate guide to the highlights:

Key Events

Spring Sacrificial Ceremony

Time: 9:00 AM, March 31

Location: Zumiao Temple's Main Gate Plaza (祖庙三门前)

Witness the opening ritual honoring the North Emperor, blending ancient traditions with modern pageantry.

Beidi Procession

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, March 31

Route: Zumiao Temple Main Gate (祖庙正门)→ Zumiao Road (祖庙路) → Renmin Road (人民路) → Fuxian Road (福贤路) → Jianxin Road (建新路) → Return to Zumiao Temple (祖庙正门).

Eleven parade contingents, including a new "Most Lingnan" public group, will march through the city. Special performances at key spots like the Zumiao Main Gate and Baihua Square Intersection.

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Performances

Central Stage: "Melodies of Miao & Dong" by Qiandongnan Cultural Troupe

Time: 2:00–3:00 PM daily (10:00–11:00 AM, 2:00–3:00 PM on March 29–30, April 1)

Wanfu Opera Stage: "Cantonese Opera Gala" by Foshan Cantonese Opera Institute

Time: 12:00 PM, March 31

Starring renowned artists Li Shuqin and Chen Yunhong.

Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall : Lion Dance & Kung Fu Shows

Time: 10:00–10:40 AM, 1:00–1:30 PM (special extra show for the temple fair), 2:15–2:55 PM, 3:30–4:10 PM (March 29–31)

Location: Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall (黄飞鸿纪念馆)

ICH Marketplace

Time: March 29 – April 1

Location: Qingzhen Pavilion Square (庆真楼前广场)

Explore 14 ICH booths featuring traditional crafts, art, and food from Guangdong and Guangxi. Visitors can interact with masters and purchase unique souvenirs.

Calligraphy & Painting Charity Sale

Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM, March 31

Location: Zangzhen Pavilion (藏珍阁序厅)

Seven renowned artists will create live paintings, with proceeds supporting temple restoration.

Beidi Birthday Banquet

Time: 12:00 PM, March 31

Location: Wanfu Stage Plaza & Shuanglong Wall Square (祖庙万福台广场及双龙壁广场)

A traditional feast honoring donors and guests, accompanied by live performances by Li Shuqin and Chen Yunhong.

Food & Cultural Street

Time: March 29–31

Location: Feihong Street (飞鸿街）

Savor authentic Lingnan snacks and handicrafts in this bustling market.

Special Exhibition

Theme: "Stories of Stone Bay Pottery: History & Modern Legacy"

Time: February 21 – April 20

Location: Zangzhen Pavilion (藏珍阁)

Over 160 artifacts showcase the evolution of Shiwan pottery.

Nighttime Openings

Time: 6:00–9:00 PM (last entry 8:30 PM), March 29–31

Enjoy evening Cantonese opera at Wanfu Stage (7:00–8:00 PM) and lion dance performances at Feihong Hall (8:00–8:30 PM).

Visitor Tips

Access Restrictions:

March 31: Temple areas closed 8:30–10:20 AM; Wanfu Plaza restricted 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

East Gate closed 8:30 AM–12:00 PM.

Wong Fei-hung Memorial Hall closed March 30–31.

Transportation: Take advantage of nearby metro stations for easy access.

Don't miss this immersive journey into Lingnan's cultural heart! For more details, visit the official Zumiao Temple website or follow social media updates.

Author | Jiang Chang

Photo | Nanfang Plus

Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Wei Shen