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Tongxiang, in the north of Zhejiang province, is the main production area for silkworm mulberries in the southern Yangtze River region. There are abundant silkworm customs in the countryside in that area, among which the rolling silkworm flower temple fair is the most representative and popular.

The Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain in the north of Zhejiang province is the main production area for China's silk, where silk production has a history of more than 4,700 years. Hanshan rolling silkworm flower temple fair has long been a folk custom in Tongxiang and can be dated back more than 100 years.

The so-called "rolling silkworm flower" is a flower made of colorful paper. The legend says that during the Tomb Sweeping Day, a silkworm flower lady turned into a village maid, and as she left the mountain she passed by a "silkworm spirit". Whoever comes to Hanshan for hiking can bring home the happy spirit of silkworm flowers and get "24 fen" -- a double harvest, of silkworm flowers.  

Therefore, every Tomb Sweeping Day, silkworm farmers from every corner of Jiaxing eagerly climb Hanshan Mountain where young men and women put on costumes to buy silkworm flowers. The crowds of people produce a lively scene.

Hanshan rolling silkworm flower was selected in the second batch of national intangible cultural heritages.

People from every corner of Jiaxing enjoy the Hanshan rolling silkworm flower temple fair. [Photo/IC]