Deep in the heart of historic Chaozhou city, a rhythmic roar of drums and a sea of vibrant colors are preparing to take over the streets. On March 12, the city will host the Qinglong Temple Fair, an event widely revered as "the number one temple fair in the Chaoshan region" and a representative project of Guangdong's intangible cultural heritage.
The Qinglong Ancient Temple is believed to have been founded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and was named after the frequently seen green snakes wandering near the temple without doing harm to people. The temple is also known as the Anji King Temple and venerates the Anji King, his spouses, and other deities.
Historically, the Qinglong Temple Fair was held annually from the 13th to the 28th day of the first lunar month. It is an indispensable jewel of Lingnan folk culture and the most solemn folk event in the entire Chaoshan area of Guangdong Province. The festival involves parading the wooden deity statues, known as Laoye (a term of respect for deities or elders), through the streets in a celebratory activity. The whole town would come out eagerly to witness the parade, praying for favorable weather, family safety, business success, and prosperity in the coming year. This custom has been passed down to the present day. For the global Teochew diaspora, the fair is far more than a ritual; it is a vital homecoming, a platform for solidarity, and a living link to their ancestral roots.
The 2026 parade promises to be a massive display of folk art. Starting at 8 a.m. from the temple, a 2-kilometer-long procession consisting of 18 performance teams will weave through the city's ancient artery. The route covers a total of 6.9 kilometers, showcasing dozens of heritage performances, including Yingge dance (英歌舞), carp dance (鲤鱼舞), iron-stick puppetry (铁枝木偶), Chaozhou drums (潮州大锣鼓), Chaozhou Opera, and the breathtaking movements of dragon, phoenix, and lion dances.
To witness the height of the festivities, visitors should head to some of the best viewing points, such as Paifang Street (牌坊街), Zhenhai Tower (镇海楼), and Kaiyuan Road (开元路), where the open space allows the performers to execute their most elaborate routines.
For those unable to make the journey to Chaozhou in person, the Chaozhou Radio and Television Station will launch a live broadcast starting at 7:50 a.m. on March 12. Global viewers can join the celebration online via various channels.
Author: Dong Han
Photo: Nanfang Plus, Chaozhou Radio and Television Station, and the Traditional Culture Research Association of Wang Kang
