On May 17, the 37th Yaji Mountain Temple Fair opened in Yaji Mountain Scenic Area in Pinggu District. Themed "World's Valley of Leisure, Blessed Yaji Mountain", this fair will run until June 3.

As a national-level intangible cultural heritage item of China, Yaji Mountain Temple Fair is known as the "Top Temple Fair in Eastern Beijing".

This year's fair builds upon various traditional folk cultural elements while having some key changes. Four major sections are introduced with over 10 themed activities, offering a one-stop experience combining sightseeing, appreciation, tasting, shopping, and entertainment.

The highlight of the fair for many will be the joint folk performance showcase of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, with nearly 100 top-tier folk troupes from Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei taking turns on stage. Visitors can watch dragon and lion dances, traditional zhongfan performances (in which performers balance extremely tall flagpoles), and stilt walking (also an intangible cultural heritage item), among other shows.

During the event, a dedicated calligraphy and painting exhibition area is open, displaying fine works themed around Yaji Mountain's landscapes and "futao" (literally "blessed peaches"). A diverse range of leisure activities on offer include parent-child games and science education exhibitions, catering to all age groups.

The fair also creates an immersive "blessing culture" experience. At key locations such as Taiji Square and Huixiang Pavilion, the "Five Blessings Drums" representing fortune, prosperity, longevity, happiness, and wealth are set up for visitors to strike them and make wishes, as well as hang blessing ribbons to express good wishes. Huixiang Pavilion also offers free porridge and steamed buns as part of its public services. In addition, folk activities such as writing wishes on blessing plaques and a coin-tossing game are also available to try.

Along the scenic area's main avenue, various food stalls offer a wide variety of trendy snacks. In the special sales zone, local agricultural products from Pinggu and fancy cultural souvenirs are also available.

The fair itself is open for free, while tickets are required for mountain hiking. From April to October, the scenic area is open from 8:00 to 16:00. For more information, visitors can call +86-10-61972535.

(Source: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Yaji Mountain Scenic Area)