The Chinese folk market in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang Province Photo: Courtesy of Wuzhen

The 21st "Xiangshi," a Chinese folk market to welcome the season of spring, will kick off in Wuzhen, a small canal town and scenic spot in East China's Zhejiang Province, on Thursday.

"Xiangshi" is a unique folk activity popular to the south of China's Yangtze River. According to China's 24 Solar Terms, from the terms of Pure Brightness (April 4, 2021) to Grain Rain (April 19, 2021), people living south of the Yangtze River go to nearby temples to pray for a good silk harvest. During this time entertainment activities including folk acrobatics and dramas, local snacks,cuisine and tea are provided to people who come to pray. It later evolved into a custom and became a festival named "Xiangshi."

The Chinese folk market in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang Province Photo: Courtesy of Wuzhen

For the past few years since the opening of the scenic spot, Wuzhen has carried out a series of activities for people to celebrate the festival and welcome the spring season. Tourists can experience the ritual of praying for a good silkworm harvest, participate in Chinese cultural activities including watching wushu performances, thrilling high-pole shows on boats in the water, and tasting some spring food and drinks at the bustling temple fair.

Besides distinctive activities, tourists can take pictures in traditional costumes and enjoy some peaceful moments or fly kites in a field of rape flowers. 

The festival will last from Thursday to May 5. 

Global Times