Foshan is a famous countryside for autumn scenery (Qiuse) in Lingnan. Foshan Qiuse Parade refers to the paradeheld in folk to celebrate bumper harvest by local Han nationality when there is agricultural harvest in autumn. It is commonly known as “Qiuse Race” or “Qiuse Lantern Fair”, also collectively known as “Qiuse Show”.

In the past, Qiuse Parade was mostly held on the nigh of autumn harvest season, with seven main manifestation patterns: lantern show, vehicle show, horse show, ground show, water show, fluttering show and scenery show. With the advent of modern times, the pattern and content of Qiuse Parade are also developing continuously. For example, modern festooned vehicle team and sports competition performance are added afterwards.

In recent years, the activities of Foshan Qiuse Parade are brilliant and wonderful, becoming a folk joy festival expected by citizens.

Origin of Qiuse Parade

Foshan Qiuse Parade has a long history, with vary opinions on its origin. Tradition has it that, one night after autumn harvest during Yongle period in Ming Dynasty (1403-1425), a group of children bundled cane shoot shells into dragon shape and inserted incenses on the dragon body. They brandished the fiery dragon with bamboo poles, shouting and playing the drums. The paraded among streets until mid-night. This act was appreciated by people, and was developed into a kind of recreational activity therefore. The content is enriching day by day, becoming Foshan Qiuse Parade with local characteristics. 

Foshan Qiuse Joy Festival

Under the leadership of the government since 2010, Qiuse Parade was upgraded as a joy festival, which is held once a year. The Qiuse Joy Festival held in 2015 focused on the theme of “Joyous Guangdong•Foshan Rhythm” and featured with Foshan folk art and regional customs, integrating arts, crafts and artistic performance. It was divided into four major plates: autumn worship at Ancestral Temple, community drinking ceremony, Qiuse parade and elaborate performance of Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou stage arts. While returning to tradition and excavating local culture deeply, it also introduced multi-culture at home and abroad, showing Foshan as an open and vigorous city.