Three-day street closure to celebrate birthday, with traditional opera troupes gathering at Dali Qijiangjun Temple

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin

 

Dali Qijiangjun Temple, with a history of over 200 years, is highly regarded for its divination accuracy in recovering lost items. The temple hosts theatrical performances year-round in gratitude, with up to 400 shows in a single year. The annual "Qijiangjun Ye Sheng" (Birthday of the Seven Generals) on the fifth day of the seventh lunar month is a highlight of local folk celebrations. This year’s celebration of the Seven Generals' birthday will be held from August 19 to 21, featuring a three-day street closure on Xinxing Road in Dali District. Additional activities include a photography competition, an exhibition of calligraphy by master artists, and free guided tours of the old street. These events not only preserve traditional customs but also offer participants a deeper insight into the area's folk culture.

The Dali Folk Culture Tour, in conjunction with the Qijiangjun Festival, features a photography competition, an exhibition of works by master calligraphers, and guided tours of the old street. The photography competition requires entries themed around the temple fair activities, with submissions accepted from now until August 21 and the deadline for entries set for August 26. The gold award winner will receive a cash prize of NT$10,000. The old street guided tour route will pass by locations such as Pickle Alley, Fuxing Temple, Qingyuan Hall, the Upside-Down Banyan Tree, and Dali Cultural Museum, with free on-site registration available for the public. During the event period, there will also be performances of traditional snacks, folk operas, troupe performances, and street entertainment, as well as free DIY activities for traditional crafts such as paper folding and ornaments. Dali Cultural Museum has also organized a community folk cultural exhibition, allowing participants to relive the lively atmosphere of temple fair gatherings.

The annual seventh day of the seventh lunar month is the day of the Qijiangjun Festival, also known as "Qijiangjun Ye Sheng." Qijiangjun Temple, also called Zhongyi Shrine, is a faith site in the Dali area dedicated to righteous martyrs, established to commemorate soldiers who defended the local people. In the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty, six soldiers from the General’s Command were patrolling Liushu (now Nanliu Village, Wufeng District) when they were killed by indigenous people. Their loyal dog ran back to headquarters, barking frantically. Exhausted from running back and forth to seek help, the dog eventually died. The Qing court honored the six soldiers and the loyal dog for their service and sacrifice, burying them ceremoniously at the site of their death. To commemorate their loyalty and bravery, the local people built a temple to enshrine them. The six soldiers and one loyal dog are collectively referred to as the "Seven Generals." Event webpage: www.facebook.com/dahshin.

 

● Read more: Romantic fireworks festival in Dadaocheng gives away 2,999 free roses

http://goo.gl/QKUhM