Baotou temple fair showcases local traditions

Performers walk on stilts during a temple fair in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Feb 23. Stilt walking, or cai gaoqiao, traditionally celebrates the arrival of the Spring Festival and is especially popular in North China. (Cai means “walking on”, and gaoqiao means “stilts”.) [Photo/Baotou Daily] 

Martial art techniques are demonstrated before a crowd at a temple fair in Baotou on Feb 23. China’s many large temple fairs are hosted by traditional folk temples used for the worship of Chinese gods and immortals around the Chinese New Year period. Temple fairs showcase traditional customs and folk culture, including local cuisine, intangible cultural heritage and performances of historical art forms. [Photo/Baotou Daily] 

A crowd watches a performer at a temple fair opening in Baotou on Feb 23. [Photo/Baotou Daily]