Hejin county, North China's Shanxi province, embraced its first temple fair-themed cultural gathering on March 28, with the sound of gongs and drums at the local Zhenwu Temple, which has a history dating back some 600 years.

The event is aimed at entertaining locals and promoting traditional Chinese culture and tourism in Hejin. Opera and traditional sports took place during the event, coinciding with cultural activities such as paper-cutting and Jiangzhou drumming. Local residents also performed dances, Chinese martial arts, and other recreational activities.

First built in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhenwu Temple is located on a mountain northwest of Hejin county and covers an area of 3,400 square meters. The temple has 34 ancient structures, including archways and pavilions. The traditional temple fair falls each year on the third day of March in the Chinese lunar calendar.

A temple fair opens on March 28 at Zhenwu Temple in Hejin county, Shanxi province. [Photo/sxrb.com]