The Guanyao Lettuce Feast Festival, one of South China's most celebrated folk traditions, is set to make a grand return on February 23 at the Guanyao Cultural Square. This event will not only feature over 800 tables of lettuce feasts but also a series of exciting activities waiting for you to experience!

Historical Background

The Guanyao Lettuce Feast originated in the Ming Dynasty, thrived in the Qing Dynasty, and reached its peak in the period of the Republic of China. It has a history of more than 400 years. In 2007, it was selected as one of the first batch of intangible cultural heritage projects in Foshan City, and in 2009, it became a provincial - level intangible cultural heritage project in Guangdong Province. This folk custom originated from Fengshan Ancient Temple, where the statue of the White - robed Guanyin was believed to be effective for people praying for children. Every year on the 26th day of the first lunar month, which is the birthday of Guanyin and the day when she opens the treasury, people gather here to worship Guanyin, eat lettuce, and pray for children and good fortune. Gradually, it evolved into the Lettuce Festival.

Event Details

1. Lettuce Feast

Time：February 23

The dishes of the lettuce feast are presented in the form of a basin meal, including various delicious foods such as arrowhead and pork, lucky pig's trotters, etc. Each dish has wonderful implications. For example, arrowhead and pork symbolize a prosperous family with many descendants, and vermicelli and shrimp symbolize longevity and wealth. Lettuce wraps are a must at the Lettuce Festival. People use lettuce leaves to wrap ingredients like vermicelli, pickled cabbage with clam meat, and fried rice. You can eat it with or without dipping sauce. It tastes crispy and tender, and is suitable for people of all ages.

2. Firecracker Scramble

Time: February 20

Firecracker Scramble, formerly known as "Returning the Wish Firecracker", is rooted in an ancient tradition of repaying divine blessings. This thrilling competition involves six rounds of firecracker snatching, namely the first firecracker (for descendants), the second firecracker (for wealth), etc. Among them, the leap-third firecracker (for descendants and wealth) is the most precious.

3. Fortune Temple Fair

Time: February 23

On the day of the event, a full-day Fortune Temple Fair will be held in Guanyao, Shishan. There will be various stalls along the long street of Shili Guanyao waiting for you to explore!

4. Lion Dance Performance

Time: February 23

There will also be an exciting lion dance performance at the event site, bringing joy and celebration to everyone.

Come and participate in the 2025 Guanyao Lettuce Feast Festival to experience the unique charm of Lingnan folk customs!

Reporter | Wendy

Revisor | Lynn, Zoey

Source | Shishan Town Publicity, Culture, Tourism, and Education Office, and Shishan Town Culture, Sports, and Tourism Service Center