The third day of the third lunar month marks a festival in China, celebrated in different ways across the country. In some regions, it is observed as a Girls' Day, a day for romantic encounters, or even a traditional bathing festival. For people in the Pearl River Delta region (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, etc.), this day marks the traditional Beidi Birthday Festival.

Beidi, known as the God of Water in Taoism, is one of the most revered deities among the Cantonese people. According to legend, Beidi ascended to immortality on this day, which is why it became his birthday celebration.

This festival blends folk beliefs, secular traditions, community participation, and entertainment, making it a significant cultural event for people in Guangdong. The festival features a variety of folk activities, including piaose parades (飘色巡游), Cantonese opera performances, lion dances, blessing ceremonies, puppet shows, Beidi deity processions, the distribution of longevity buns (寿包), and communal feasts.

Which Chinese folk activity would you like to experience most?