The Chenghuang (City’s God) parade is one of old-town Hangzhou’s longest-running folk traditions, going back over a hundred years. This year’s edition, marking the year of Bingwu (2026), officially kicks off on May 31. Centered around the Chenghuang Pavilion area, the event features three main parts: the welcoming ceremony, the parade itself, and the main worship ritual — with three special highlights woven in: “blessings for peace,” “together as one,” and “living heritage.”

The parade is always the main draw. This time, the procession is made up of local community members, shop owners along the route, and teams of intangible cultural heritage inheritors. And for the first time, the public was invited to join — so you’ll see residents of all ages, jobs, and backgrounds walking side by side, showing the city’s warmth through “shared steps, shared celebration.”

There’s also a lively heritage showcase on site. A national-level troupe of glove puppet artists will perform classic folk tales, highlighting traditional values of loyalty, justice, and filial virtue. Expect a rotating lineup of other acts too, including fish lantern dance, operatic water sleeve dance, and women’s dragon dance.

One heads-up: between 8 a.m. and noon on May 31, the event will affect traffic on Liangdao Mountain, Hefang Street entrance to Chenghuang Pavilion, and surrounding roads. Follow the on-site traffic signs. If you’re coming, public transport is your best bet — take Metro Line 7 to Wushan Square Station, or hop on a bus to a nearby stop and walk over.