Day 1 Shanghai → Xiaozhuxi → Songyang County
All day
Between 7:00 and 7:30 in the morning, everyone gathered downstairs at the Mingshen Center to sign in and depart. The instructor on the bus introduced everyone and explained the key points and precautions for this photography activity, creating a lively atmosphere along the way.
We had lunch at a service area and arrived in Songyang around 2:00 PM. We then headed to Xiaozhuxi to familiarize ourselves with the terrain and photograph the scenery. At this time, over a hundred square altar tables, each made of eight immortals, were arranged in a row along the main road of the village, forming a long dragon-like pattern. The altars were decorated with candles, incense, and various offerings meticulously prepared by the villagers. Five of these items—chicken, meat, cuttlefish, noodles, and tofu—were mandatory for every household. Feel free to take a few photos.
At the appropriate time, a Taoist priest, dressed in a Taoist robe, will perform a jiao (fourth tone) cup-casting ceremony for the entire village. This is a unique local divination and blessing ritual. The head of the village reads the villagers' names, and the Taoist priest asks for the blessing of "Xu Hou Da Wang," the protector of Xiaozhuxi's people and patriots. Then, the priest tosses the cups to predict good or bad luck, cuts rice dumplings, and collects incense. Photographers who enjoy folk customs can record the entire process. In the evening, the "Sending Lanterns" ceremony begins. Each household turns off its lights, and the entire village, young and old, holding lanterns, slowly marches along the village road to the accompaniment of firecrackers, gongs, and drums. They form a long "fire dragon" and escort the "Da Wang" to the temple. Fireworks explode above the village. You can seek a high vantage point to capture the grand scene, or get closer to the crowds for a mix of movement and stillness.
After the photoshoot, we will go to Songyang County to stay overnight. In the evening, we can rest early and discuss folk custom photography techniques with each other.
Day 2 Songyang County → Xiaozhuxi → Shanghai
All day
In the morning, we returned to Xiaozhuxi. Villagers had already unloaded their tables and offerings, lit candles, and awaited the arrival of "Lord Xuhou." Today, you can delve deeper into your creative procession and follow the headman and villagers as they head to Mokou Temple to capture the welcoming ceremony. Alternatively, you can take photos of the eager villagers, the elaborate table settings, and the offerings within the village. The offerings on the tables are a testament to the matrons' skillful creations, with each ingredient crafted into a truly lifelike form, a feast for the eyes.
When the "King" entered the village, every household set off firecrackers and kowtowed in greeting, creating a lively atmosphere. We followed the crowd, capturing each exciting moment. We could chat with the villagers or even visit their homes to photograph them making rice crackers, glutinous rice cakes, and frying lanterns. There was a wealth of subject matter here, enough to capture your camera.
Everyone gained a lot, and after a free lunch, we returned to Shanghai in good time. We were reluctant to leave and said goodbye with tears in our eyes! Don't forget to hand in your homework when you get back!
