Cultural Resonance Builds Bridges of Friendship: Sister City Delegations Gather in Fengdu, Chongqing, for a Folkloric Feast

The inaugural night parade of the 2025 Fengdu Temple Fair recently took place in Fengdu County, Chongqing Province. The event featured a procession comprising six elaborately themed floats and 1,450 performers, who collectively adorned a 2.5-kilometer stretch of street in Fengdu, transforming it into a vibrant cultural corridor. Distinguished guests at home and abroad gathered to partake in this grand folkloric celebration, a tradition that has spanned thousands of years.

The Spectacular Night Tour of the Fengdu Temple Fair

Photo by Zhou Yong

The Fengdu Temple Fair originates from the "Mingshan Incense Festival" and boasts a rich history spanning more than 1,700 years. In 2014, it was inscribed on the list of National-level Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Projects. Today, the fair stands as a “golden business card” of Fengdu, playing a pivotal role in showcasing intangible cultural heritage and fostering the integration of culture and tourism.

This year’s Temple Fair hosted a delegation from Fengdu’s sister city, Guanajuato, Mexico, who were invited to engage in a range of cultural activities, including the Temple Fair parade and a night tour of Fengdu Ghost City. "The Fengdu Temple Fair is a testament to the warmth and enthusiasm of the local people, and the vibrant nighttime activities are truly captivating. It is my privilege to partake in such a significant cultural exchange event," remarked Daniel Gutiérrez Meave, Director of Tourism of Guanajuato. He further highlighted that Guanajuato intends to strengthen collaboration with Fengdu County's tourism enterprises in areas such as the planning, design, and promotion of cultural and tourism products.

Since Fengdu and Guanajuato officially signed a sister city agreement in November 2021, the two cities have maintained close communication and cooperation. The visit of the Guanajuato delegation is a powerful testament to the continued warming of the friendly relations between the two cities and lays a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in culture, economy, and trade.