Japanese tourists to experience temple culture in southern Taiwan

During their visit, a university team that has won three consecutive competitions of Songjiang Battle Array -- a kind of temple folk art performance -- will give a creative Songjiang performance, while another troupe will give a more traditional performance, the official said.

The Songjian Battle Array and other folk performances are usually staged in the township's Guanting village or Chichu temple each year to mark the birthday of Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion, on the 19th day of the second lunar month, which falls on April 3 this year.

If the performances receive a warm response from the tourists, another Japanese tour group will be organized to attend the temple celebrations in April, according to the official.

The township's religious culture and folk art have been designated by the Tourism Bureau as one of the 12 major traditional festivals in Taiwan.

The temple, in collaboration with local chefs, has also developed a complete set meal titled "Songjiang" to highlight local cuisine.

A Songjiang Battle Array competition has been held annually by the county government for the last six years with the aim of infusing vigor and innovation into the traditional folk art.

The 100-member Japanese tour group was organized after the performance spurred the interest of some 10 representatives of several Japanese travel agencies who made a visit to the township last year.

Subscribe to The China Post and save 25%. Click here

SharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

Submit

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email