April 8's Temple Fair
"April 8's Temple Fair" is a traditional folk feast in Dunhuang. On the day of April 8 (according to Chinese lunar calendar), the local residents, especially the Buddhists, will gather at the places of Mogao Grottoes, Sanwei Mountains and Leiyin Temple to worship Buddha, pilgrimage and offer sacrifices to their ancestors. On that day, people tell Buddha truly about their agony and annoyance hurried in their hearts, seek Buddha's bless, or express their wishes for fortune, safety, children, or an official position. When they come out of the grottoes and temples, they fell as if relieved of a heavy load, and become optimistic again. For several days, the whole grottoes and temples area is plunged into the sea of people. The refection stall places, handicraft article shops, and literal and artistic performance stages spread everywhere. The jollification will last for a long period.
The Dragon Boat Festival Temple Fair
Before the Cultural Revolution, there were more than 40 temples, figures of Buddha and frescos at the foot of Mingsha Mountain and beside Crescent Moon Spring. The temple fair at Crescent Moon Spring has lasted for more than a thousand years. The local people go there in order to memorize Qu Yuan, worship Buddha, go uphill to look far, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the nature. In 1990s, with the funds raised by local people, Leiyin Temple was rebuilt. The ancient building group was reconstructed by the government. The pomp of old times appeared again. On the day of Dragon Boat Festival, the road from the center of the city to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, and the scenic spots of Leiyin Temple, Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring are crowded with people.
Mingsha Mountain Sliding-on-sands Festival
"Sand singing on clear Mingsha Mountain" is one of Dunhuang's eight scenic spots. On June 1 every year, a large Sliding-on-sands Festival will be jointly held by Tourism Office, Culture Office and Sports Committee of Dunhuang city. When more than 100 fans slide down from the top of the mountain simultaneously, thunderous sound is sent out from the mountain, and can be heard 5 kilometers away. Once reported by CCTV, and pomp was acclaimed as the peak of perfection.
Table of the festival arrangement
Name |
Place |
Date |
Sponsor |
Notes |
Jiuquan merchant assembly |
Dunhuang City |
June 28, 1998 |
The Administration Office of Jiuquan |
Organized by Dunhuang government |
April 8’s Temple Fair |
Mogao Grottoes |
April 8 (Lunar calendar) |
Local |
Buddhist ceremony |
Dragon Boat Festival in May |
Leiyin Temple |
May 5 (Lunar Calendar) |
Local |
|
Mingsha Mountain sliding-on-sands festival |
120ingsha Mountain |
May 5 (Lunar calendar) |
The Urban Construction Bureau |
Cooperated by Culture Administration and Tourism Administration |