The "Er Yue Er" (Second Day of the Second Lunar Month) Arena Temple Fair in Weiyuan Town

　　Located in Dasi Road Village, Weiyuan Town — the county seat of Huzhu County — there is a traditional custom of holding an arena temple fair on the second day of the second lunar month every year. Historical records indicate that before the Song Dynasty, the area around Weiyuan Town was called "Nuoshudu" (which means "forest region" in the local Tu language). During the Song Dynasty, it was renamed "Mu-" and became a military stronghold with frequent troop activities. The tradition of holding arena contests began around the Song Dynasty, initially as martial arts competitions, hence the name "Arena Fair."

　　The traditional Weiyuan Town "Er Yue Er" Arena Temple Fair consists of five sub-events: the Leizu Fair, the Arena Fair, the "Hua'er" Fair, - and the Mountain Produce Market. Over time, it has evolved into a folk event featuring opera performances and "Hua'er" singing. During the fair, Tu people from surrounding areas gather here to perform operas, sing "Hua'er," spin the "Lunziqiu" (a traditional Ferris wheel-like ride), dance the "Anzhao," hold horse races, wrestling matches, and martial arts demonstrations, turning it into a grand celebration of culture, sports, and competition.

　　The Weiyuan Town "Er Yue Er" Arena Temple Fair preserves the folk arts and traditional athletic events of the Tu people very well, carrying numerous cultural elements. It is of great significance for understanding the local customs, specialty products, production and lifestyle, and religious beliefs of the Huzhu Tu people. However, due to the impact of modern economic and cultural forces, its original cultural content and forms have been gradually diminishing, evolving into a modern trade fair. There is an urgent need for preservation and rescue efforts. (