Home Shanghai trip story: the history of the City God Temple Fair
Shanghai trip story: the history of the City God Temple Fair
The City God Temple was built in the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), first used to enshrine a West Han Dynasty (296 B. C. –A. D. 24) senior official. In the early 15th century, the local government turned it into the City God Temple where many tourists would like to go during their Shanghai trip.
The religion of the City God, part of Taoism, dates to the fourth and fifth century AD. People believed the City God could protect the citizens of a town from disasters. The faith was popular during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties.
The City God of Shanghai is, actually, not a man of fantasy. He is called Qin Yubo, once a local luminary in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). When Qin died, Zhu Yuanzhang, Ming’s first emperor, officially declared him the City God of Shanghai.
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, there were three ritual parades a year in which hundreds of people would file into the streets, some carrying the statues of the City God and his wife, and some walking in the costumes of legendary ghosts. The City God parade was once one of the biggest traditional events in town.
However, it is not practical now to resume this old ritual parade as the streets are so crowded. Instead, a temple fair takes its place.
The City God Temple fair is a local custom. It is one of the important stops on the sightseeing list when tourists come to Shanghai. During the temple fair, the Yuyuan Garden area wakes up to a sea of thronging visitors. The streets are jammed with shoppers, travelers, vendors and teahouse goers, all immersed in the pleasure granted by their City God. They can sample handicrafts, food, and special performances. People, especially young women, would deck themselves out in their finest clothes to accompany friends and relatives to the temple. In some traditional stories, the temple fair was even a site for romantic liaisons. And after all these years, it remains a curiosity for visitors.
Usually the first thing to do for visitors on arriving at the fair is to sample dozens of delicious Shanghai-style snacks, such as deep-fried bean curd, pies, spicy beans, steamed buns and many kinds of candy.
In addition, it is a good opportunity for shopping. Most Chinese handicrafts, including chopsticks, embroidery, Chinese silk, fans, traditional clothes and daily necessities are offered at special prices.
Apart from magic shows, games are also popular. Both children and adults can participate in activities such as skipping rope, kicking the shuttlecock, and throwing coins for luck.
In the small square, visitors can watch interesting performances. Jiaozi, sedans originally used for carrying brides in preceding centuries, now carry curious tourists who enjoy the bumpy ride and the spectacle.
Previous: Guilin travel story: the source of the Old Hill (Laoren Hill)
