The Changes Of Temple Fair Culture Under The Background Of Urbanization

Through literature research and fieldwork, the historical evolution of the ZhenRu temple fair in ShangHai was studied in the context of the urbanization. The study showed the following characteristics in the different developed stages.In the early stage, the traditional ZhenRu temple fair was naturally affiliated to Buddhist activities. Its range was limited to the immediate surroundings of the temple and it not only constituted a public environment for the traditional customs of the local population but also positively impacted the local economy and lead to the transformation of ZhenRu into a town.After the establishment of the PRC and during the initial stage of the Chinese economic reform, this temple fair changed in both shape and substance. It played the roles of a farmer’s market and a channel through which goods were exchanged between the city and the countryside. Even though there were urges to revive the religious aspect of the ZhenRu temple fair, at the time it had already become an accessory to the local economy.Recently, with the development of the city outskirts and as ZhenRu town became part of the Shanghai urban erea, great efforts have been made to rejuvenate the ZhenRu temple fair. But it had, to a certain extent, already turned into a prosperous economic activity and a means to define the cultural identities of the community. While it aims at enriching the cultural lives of the community, the modern ZhenRu temple fair now provides an experience quite different from its traditional version.At first, the history of the ZhenRu temple fair may seem straightforward, however it keeps changing dynamically, adapting to the characteristics and the historical connotations of the current time. The ZhenRu temple fair is today one of the few remaining popular customs in our everyday lives. It is part of the cultural lives of local residents, carries historical heritage, promotes community harmony, and enriches the cultural aspects of the city. There are many ways in which this temple fair positively affects the surrounding area, and thus we ought to protect its cultural heritage and ensures its continuous development.