Festival honors Zheng Immortal in Guangzhou

A special festival honoring Zheng Immortal is under way in Guangzhou from Sept 15 to 23, accompanied by performances, exhibitions and fun activities.

Zheng Immortal, whose real name is Zheng Anqi, was a doctor who lived during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). The legend said that Zheng cured many diseases for people in Guangzhou using herbs, but refused to help China's first emperor, Qinshihuang, in his quest to seek longevity. Latterly, Zheng became an immortal after killing himself by jumping from a cliff in Baiyun Mountain.

Lanterns are displayed at Baiyun Mountain to celebrate the Zheng Immortal Festival which is held from Sept 15 to 23. [Photo/ycwb.com] 

To commemorate Zheng, locals built a special temple for him and every year on the 25th of the seventh month in lunar calendar, the day when Zheng died, they hosted a range of activities such as lantern shows, lion dances and martial arts performances.

Last year, the event attracted nearly 800,000 visitors from home and abroad and in June this year, the festival was added in the list of Guangzhou's intangible cultural heritage.

This year's festival features a total of five new events including one named "Dadiqi" which involves lying on the ground overnight at Zheng Immortal Temple. "Dadiqi" is believed to help people absorb the magic powers of Zheng Immortal, cure diseases and bring blessings.

Lion dances are performed at the Zheng Immortal Festival. [Photo/chinanews.com]