By Xinyi Li, Deng Zhang, iChongqing

Chongqing is an immigrant city, located in southwestern China. However, Chongqing also embraces the profound historical culture. There is a guild hall in Chongqing, presenting unique deep intangible cultural heritage in Chongqing.

Hugguang Guild Hall of Chongqing enhances its status in the cultural sphere

Huguang Guild Hall of Chongqing is the largest ancient collection of guild halls in big cities in China. Meanwhile, it is the symbol of southern architectural art during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1912 A.D.) in China. Moreover, it witnessed the history of Chongqing as a prosperous commercial center in Qing dynasty (1644-1912 A.D.).

There is another name of the hall – the Palace of Dayu, enshrining Dayu, who contributed to flooding control. In the past, people credited him for his efforts to the flooding control. Therefore, they established this hall, as a kind of temple, to pray for the good weather and peace.

It is regarded as the beginning of Chongqing. In the meantime, it is the architectural reference of old buildings in Chongqing. It has a far-reaching influence of Chongqing.

The Temple Fair of Dayu in 2019

Huguang Guild Hall of Chongqing keeps two traditional customs, which are the Temple Fair of Dayu every Chinese New Year and the ceremony for ancestor worship every Qingming Festival.

The ceremony of greeting Caishen

In 2019, the hall will launch the temple fair from February 5 to 9, focusing on the young generation. With the development of technology, less and less young people pay attention to traditional culture. Hence, the hall proposes to hold a series of activities to catch the attention of the young. For example, there are the lion dance and the ceremony of greeting Caishen (the God of Wealth).

It is an opportunity to present traditional elements to the public. Moreover, it will bring the young generation into the world of traditional Chinese culture, in order to inherit it as well.

The lion dance

Besides, there are other worship activities for visitors to experience, which can enhance the sense of participation. On February 7 and 8, the hall will offer opportunities to visitors to retrace the immigrant trail. It is an interactive activity there.

Address: Changjiang Binjiang Road, Yuzhong District

Transportation: CRT line 6 or line 1 to Xiaoshizi Station, and then walk there. Take bus NO. 120 to Wanglong Men Station.

Recommended visiting time: about three hours

Open hours: 8:30-18:00

Price: RMB 30/person

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