A TEMPLE fair kicked off yesterday 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.

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.

One of the fair’s highlights was the debut of a Water Fair on the Xixiang River on Monday night. Participants held 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 transformation of the Xixiang River from a neglected waterway into a scenic spot where people now linger and celebrate.

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.

(Wei Jie)

Metro: Line 1 to Pingzhou Station (坪洲站); or Line 12 to Liutang Station (流塘站).