Fushan fair kicks off 3-day cultural carnival in Yantai

The Yingge dance from Guangdong stands out as a highlight of this year's Fushan Mountain Fair. [Photo/Daxiao News]

The Fushan Mountain Fair began on May 16 in Fushan district, Yantai, in East China's Shandong province, offering a three-day celebration of folk culture, traditional crafts, and local flavors through May 18.

A major part is the first-ever meeting between two national intangible cultural heritage performances — the dynamic Yingge dance from Guangdong's Chaoshan region and Shandong's own Haiyang yangko dance. Visitors can also enjoy stilt parades, vintage dance performances, and a neon dragon and lion light show.

The fair is divided into four zones. The intangible cultural heritage zone displays Jiaodong huabobo (steamed buns), handmade clay bowls, and wood carvings. The local products zone features Yantai apples and Fushan cherries. A traditional market zone sells fresh produce and everyday goods, while a trendy zone caters to younger audiences with creative items and live-streaming sales.

Food is the centerpiece of the fair. Traditional Fushan flavors — deep-fried fish, freshly baked pancakes, and traditional tofu pudding — attract long lines. Some vendors have been serving loyal customers for over 20 years.

Organizers also announced plans to make the historic event a year-round destination by giving the 500-year-old fairgrounds a market museum, photo-friendly installations, and live food-making workshops.