A full-day tour of the god-worshiping activities from day to night, as well as local specialty foods
A day with a different perspective.
Day parade → Lunch → Afternoon tea → Night parade → Dinner
A look at your route
Essential Knowledge for Your Journey
Discovering You Shen in Houfu Fujian’s You Shen tradition is a vibrant representation of Minnanese (Southern Fujian) culture, a branch of traditional Chinese culture. Before the Han Dynasty, Southern Fujian followed a primitive belief system tied to its tribal society. Over centuries, waves of migrants from northern China brought Han customs, languages, and Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist beliefs, merging them with local traditions. Distinctive folk beliefs like Mazu worship and Baosheng Dadi worship emerged in Minnan culture, reflecting a deep respect for the sea and life itself. These beliefs, intertwined with maritime culture, form the unique essence of Minnan traditions. The You Shen festival in Changle, Fuzhou, is renowned for its grandeur, with Houfu as the most celebrated location. Historically referred to as "Houfu," this region comprises the present-day villages of Kefeng, Houdong, and Caozhu in Tantou Town, Changle District, Fuzhou City. Once united as Houfu Township, the area split into three villages in the 20th century. Despite the separation, locals and outsiders alike continue to refer to the area as "Houfu." The You Shen festival not only brings blessings but also serves as a living museum of Fujian’s intangible cultural heritage. It showcases crafts like bamboo weaving, lacquerware, and folk music, creating a vivid tapestry of Minnan traditions. At the heart of the festival lies the Tagu, a towering hollow bamboo deity structure unique to eastern Fujian. Originating from ancient exorcism rituals, the Tagu represents the continuation of early Chinese shamanistic culture. Believed to ward off evil spirits, these statues are intricately designed, with elaborate headpieces, traditional costumes, and striking facial designs that convey both majesty and solemnity.The Craftsmanship Behind Tagu Figures. From carving intricate facial designs to embroidering elaborate patterns on costumes, creating a Tagu figure is a meticulous process that takes approximately two years from concept to completion. Each figure can cost anywhere from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of RMB—essentially the equivalent of wearing a car on one’s shoulders. Tagu figures are divided into two categories: “Tall Tagu” and “Short Tagu”. The taller ones can weigh up to 70-80 pounds (32-36 kg), requiring strong and capable individuals to carry them throughout the parade. In the local Minnan dialect, carrying the Tagu is called “Ting Shenxiang”, where “Ting” conveys a sense of support, persistence, or lifting, much like the phrase “I support you” （我挺ting你）in both literal and metaphorical senses. This makes the term particularly apt for describing the act of carrying the deity figure. Typically, each Tagu is carried by a team of 4-5 people who take turns. They follow a set of precise footwork and hand movements to maintain balance and grace. In 2024, the parade featured 232 Tagu figures, some enhanced with LED lights, fiery effects, and even laser displays, creating a strikingly cyberpunk aesthetic. If you stay in one spot, it can take the entire procession three hours to pass by, a truly spectacular sight. The parade itself lasts from 11:00 AM until the early hours of the next morning, making it Fujian’s own version of a carnival. Deciding which deities participate in the parade is a uniquely Fujian tradition—they let the deities decide for themselves! This is done using a divination method known as “Casting the Shengbei”. The Shengbei (sacred divination blocks) are two crescent-shaped wooden pieces. One side is rounded (yin) and the other is flat (yang). To seek a deity’s guidance, a person holds the Shengbei, makes their request, and casts them to observe how they land. Here’s how it works: Offer a brief and respectful prayer, providing your name, birth date, age, address, and the purpose of your inquiry. Avoid lengthy or unclear wording. Wait for about 10 seconds, allowing the deity to deliberate. Hold the Shengbei at eye level and toss them into the air. Observe their landing positions. One yin and one yang: The deity agrees. Both yang: The deity is undecided; another attempt is needed. Both yin: The deity disagrees or is displeased. To ensure accuracy, this process is repeated three times. During You Shen preparations, locals cast the Shengbei in front of each deity statue to ask if they wish to join the parade. It’s a bit like friends knocking on your door to see if you’re up for an outing. If you’d like to experience this tradition but don’t have a Shengbei, you can use coins instead. Here’s how: Place the coins in a bowl of water. Purify the water by reciting Buddhist mantras (such as the Heart Sutra or Golden Light Mantra) or by burning incense and mixing the ashes into the water. Let the coins soak briefly before performing the ritual. Parade Routes for 2025 February 7th (10th day of the Lunar New Year): 1. Yingwu Temple → 2. Guotou → 3. Toutou → 4. Mingru → 5. Caowo → 6. Yunxing → 7. Mingqiu → 8. Kezhen → 9. Fengjing → 10. Xincuo → 11. Wenwei → 12. Sishitang → 13. Sanshitang → 14. Yuanwei → 15. Songboyuan → 16. Jiangtang → 17. Zhuangshang → 18. Cunlong → 19. Sihou → 20. Luntouding → 21. Kechang Ancestral Hall → 22. Qiuzhu → 23. Cixi February 23rd (26th day of the Lunar New Year): 1. Cixi → 2. Qiuzhu → 3. Kechang Ancestral Hall → 4. Luntouding → 5. Sihou → 6. Cunlong → 7. Zhuangshang → 8. Jiangtang → 9. Songboyuan → 10. Yuanwei → 11. Sanshitang → 12. Sishitang → 13. Wenwei → 14. Xincuo → 15. Fengjing → 16. Kezhen → 17. Mingqiu → 18. Yunxing → 19. Caowo → 20. Mingru → 21. Toutou → 22. Guotou → 23. Yingwu Temple TIPS: The Rituals Before the Parade typically starts at 9:00 AM , the parade starts around 11: 00 AM and ends in the early hours of the next morning, sometimes lasting until 4:00 or 5:00 AM. If you want a good viewing spot, it’s recommended to arrive at Yingwu Temple by 7:00 AM. For a more relaxed experience, arriving at 8:30 AM is fine.
Daytime Parade
Let’s dive into the You Shen festivities! From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, village teams gather in front of Yingwu Temple to perform “Drum Contests” and showcase the Tagu deity figures. The atmosphere is lively and full of excitement. Drum Contests Drum contests are a crucial part of local folk culture, where drummers from different villages compete in a friendly yet spirited display of skill. Each team uses a variety of drumming techniques, such as single-handed drumming, alternating hands, or synchronized movements. Performers also incorporate dynamic gestures like spins and jumps to enhance the visual spectacle. This enthusiastic competition not only captivates the audience but also creates an electrifying atmosphere. The drummers work in perfect harmony, demonstrating the teamwork and unity that strengthen bonds within the community. The contest serves as both an artistic expression and an opportunity to pass down this folk tradition. Pro Tip: For your hearing comfort, remember to bring earplugs! During this stage, teams from over a dozen villages take turns performing, accompanied by lively displays from the Tagu figures. The energy sets the stage for the main parade, immersing participants and spectators alike in a sea of joy. The Procession Begins At 11:00 AM, Yinglie Wang changes attire and departs from Yingwu Temple. If you can touch his palanquin, it is believed to bring you good fortune for the coming year. Lion dancers lead the way, clearing the path for Yinglie Wang. As the procession passes through each village, locals present abundant offerings to the deities. These offerings are sacred and strictly reserved for the gods; touching them is considered a serious offense. If you feel hungry, you may be able to find free food at the following locations: · Ancestral Halls · Clan Halls · Seniors’ Centers · Youth Centers · Community Halls Simply say: "Hello, I’m a visitor. Could I have some food?" Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo, wǒ shì yóukè, néng gěi wǒ diǎn chī de ma? You can choose to watch the first segment of the parade at Yingwu Temple or follow the procession for as long as you like. Whether you stay for the entire performance or just a portion, enjoy it at your own pace. Afterward, we’ll take a break for lunch, because the evening parade is where the real magic happens.
Transportation
If you wish to take a taxi to a lunch location, step away from the procession and head towards a main road. Once you are several hundred meters away, use Didi to hail a ride; this avoids connectivity and traffic issues caused by the parade crowds. There are no places in Houfu Town for a proper lunch, so we will need to take a 30-minute taxi ride to another location. There, in addition to delicious food, you can look forward to a stroll along the seaside. This area is located close to Fuzhou Changle International Airport.
Lunch
We recommend the following restaurants for a delightful lunch experience.
Transportation
We Recommend Two Transportation Options.
Afternoon Tea
If you need a break from the lively and noisy You Shen festivities, enjoying a cup of coffee by the sea is a perfect escape.
Transportation
We Recommend Two Transportation Options.
Night Parade
As night falls, let’s return to the You Shen festivities. After all, the nighttime parade is the highlight of the event. In ancient times, it was believed that nighttime, when yin and yang energies meet, was the best time to communicate with deities and drive away evil spirits. This tradition continues today, making the nighttime parade even livelier and more vibrant. As darkness descends, the glowing lights on the Tagu deity figures come to life, and the excitement among the crowd grows. Illuminated by colorful lights, fireworks, and misty smoke, the deities appear almost animated, as if they’ve joined the revelry on the bustling streets. Some deity figures even feature cyberpunk-inspired lighting effects, offering a stark contrast to the daytime parade and creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. To enhance your experience, greet those around you with a smile and say these auspicious phrases: · Happy New Year (Xin Nian Hao) · Wishing You Prosperity (Gong Xi Fa Cai) · A Joyful New Year (Xin Nian Ji Xiang) Transportation Tips: To rejoin the parade, hail a Didi (Taxi app on Alipay) to your desired location. The parade typically stays in each village for about an hour and spans several hours in total. Refer to the provided route map and calculate your destination based on your schedule. Evening Parade Updates: According to the parade schedule on February 19, 2024, the procession is expected to reach Songboyuan Villagebetween 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you are unsure where the parade is at any given time, follow the sounds of fireworks and firecrackers—they are reliable indicators of the procession's location. You can choose to follow the parade closely or simply watch from the sidelines until you feel satisfied. For those interested, witnessing Yinglie Wang’s ceremonial return to the temple is a unique experience, but remember to pace yourself and avoid overexertion.
Transportation
We Recommend Two Transportation Options.
Dinner
We recommend the following restaurants for a delightful dinner experience.
More excitement awaits
As you step out of the bathhouse feeling refreshed, or perhaps drift off to sleep within its cozy warmth, this wonderful day comes to an end. We hope the stunning snowy landscapes, delicious cuisine, and the warm hospitality of Northeastern China have brought you joy today. At the end of this journey, we’d love to share a bit of our story with you— One day in mid-2024, my wife’s friend Janet, from Chicago, planned a short trip to Beijing. Unfortunately, my wife and I weren’t available to guide her personally. So, we decided to create a custom travel guide for her. This wasn’t just any guide—it was a day-long themed itinerary meticulously planned to ensure her enjoyment. We included instructions for ticket purchases, public transport tips, and a cultural context for every attraction. For dining, we addressed Janet’s unfamiliarity with Chinese menus by recommending three restaurants per meal, each with a curated selection of 5–7 dishes tailored to foreign tastes. We detailed the ingredients, flavors, and dining methods for each dish. We even added dozens of unique cafes, tea shops, and bars to round out her experience. Creating this guide turned out to be far more complex than we’d imagined, taking over two weeks of our free time. But Janet’s reaction made it all worthwhile: "What is this? Did you write a book for me? This is amazing!" After her first day, she messaged us: "This is incredible! It feels like you’re right here with me. This is way better than a tour guide—I love it!" Inspired by Janet’s enthusiasm, we decided to test our concept further. Over two months, we created additional guides, launched a website, and recruited volunteers on Reddit. These volunteers, like Janet, explored Beijing armed with nothing more than their internet-connected phones and our guides. Their feedback? Unanimously enthusiastic! • "So much content online is either inaccurate or takes forever to sift through. Your guide saved me hours of research!" • "Not only did I avoid tourist traps, but I discovered hidden gems I’d never have found on my own!" • "This guide felt so thoughtfully structured—it turned my day into a seamless and meaningful cultural experience." • "I’d love even more cultural insights—China’s history is absolutely fascinating!" And the section on food? It was a massive hit: • "Beyond dumplings, roast duck, and zhajiang noodles, I never realized Beijing had so many culinary treasures. Oh my gosh!" Thanks to these wonderful travelers, we gained both confidence and valuable insights. They highlighted areas for improvement: occasional connectivity issues, the lack of English navigation maps, and the inconvenience of reading text while on the move. That’s when we decided to create an app. Building on everything our users loved, we developed a user-friendly interface integrating English maps, real-time translation, and audio guides. Our goal? To ensure every traveler to China enjoys an easier, richer, and more immersive experience. We named it Easy Go China, because it does exactly that—makes traveling in China easy. Whether it’s exploring authentic Chinese culture, savoring local delicacies, or navigating hidden gems, this app is designed to elevate your journey. Imagine having the freedom of independent travel paired with the insights of a knowledgeable guide, without the hassle of group tours—no waiting for unreliable companions, no enduring activities you don’t enjoy, no bland meals. Our beta testers unanimously agreed: "This is exactly what independent travelers need! Complete control over your schedule, no time wasted planning, and one guide gives you everything you need for an amazing day of eating, sightseeing, and adventure!" And all of this? For less than the price of a cocktail. In our 1.0 release, you’ll find over 30 one-day itineraries, each designed around the cultural essence of China. Every day is carefully structured with a blend of must-see attractions, hidden spots, and culinary highlights, giving you the perfect balance of freedom and guidance. And this is just the beginning—more incredible journeys are already in the works. In the upcoming 2.0 version, we’re taking it further with social features. You’ll be able to connect with like-minded travelers, explore together, and share your experiences. If you received this tour from a friend, you can send an email with the subject “Friend” to service@easy-gochina.com. When the app is launched, we will send you the download link as soon as possible. You will also receive an exclusive coupon as a first-release user. During your use of our tour, if you encounter any issues, please feel free to contact us via email at any time. If you have any valuable feedback or suggestions after using the tour, we would be delighted to hear from you through email. We believe that positive interactions between us will help us continually improve our services for you. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing this experience with you. Contact Information: Email: service@easy-gochina.com WhatsApp: WeChat：
What’s included
- Itinerary arrangements, navigation, explanations, food recommendations, drink and bar recommendations, leisure recommendations
- Accommodation, transportation costs, admission fees, dining, performance tickets
Good to know before you go
1. Water supply: Each village and hall has prepared free water, snacks, and treats for visitors, with notices posted online in at least ten natural villages. There are local fish balls and meatballs, as well as canned milk peanuts and mineral water, which visitors can collect at the ancestral hall, elderly association, youth association, or auditorium of each village. After eating, please remember to clean up the trash; if you used bowls and chopsticks, please try to wash them clean afterwards, and don’t move the benches outside.
However, the amount of free food is limited. If you need to buy food, there will be snacks like fried skewers, grilled sausages, and milk tea at the village intersections.
2. Noise reminder: Please wear noise-canceling earplugs or headphones, as the sound of firecrackers is everywhere, especially inside the temple, where the sound of gongs and drums can be deafening.
3. Phone battery: It is recommended to carry a power bank of at least 5000 mAh.
4. Masks: Firecrackers and fireworks will be set off along the way, creating a lot of smoke and dust, so please pay attention to personal protection.
5. Clothing: Try to keep it simple and loose; do not wear high heels, stockings, or clothes that are easy to get dirty or damaged, as the fireworks, firecrackers, and dust along the way can easily stain or damage your clothes.
6. Signal: Due to large crowds, phone signals may become problematic, so be prepared to go offline.
7. Cash: Poor phone signal can lead to electronic payment failures, so please prepare some cash, preferably with some change, but not too much; 500 yuan is sufficient.
8. Any place with long banquet tables is a must-visit for the god-worshipping event, such as the Temple of Holy King, Yang Gong Temple, Cundong Hall, Fengjing New Hall, Yunxing, Mingru, and the Yifuyuan at Luntou Ding. However, the items on these offering tables are for the gods’ use and visitors cannot take them.
9. Do not walk on the procession route of the altar bone deity statue, and do not casually touch or bump into the altar bone deity statue.
10. Toilets: There are usually toilets near the auditorium within the village, which you can ask local villagers about. However, most are dry toilets without partitions; there is a nicely decorated public toilet at the entrance of Kfeng Village, and you can also ask in restaurants, hotels, or even residents' homes along the way.
11. Please respect local customs; due to religious beliefs, some places do not welcome photography or video recording. If you carry a drone, please do not fly it at low altitudes, and thank you for your understanding. After all, this is not a commercial project but a spontaneous memorial and celebration activity by the local villagers.
12. There are no hotels in Houfu, and given the large crowds on the day of the god-worshiping event, it is recommended to stay as close to the starting point “Yingwu Temple” as possible. It is suggested to look for hotels near “Jinfeng Bus Station,” which are reasonably priced and can be found through trip.com.
13. Please carry a power bank to ensure your phone stays charged.
14. Please remember to bring your passport.
How do I use my purchase?
Sign in to the EasyGo China app with the email you used at checkout. Your purchase appears in My Trips.
How long can I use it?
Your route stays available in the app for 2 days after purchase.
Do I need to book attraction tickets?
Admission and reservations may be separate. Check the official attraction information before travel.