Since 1917, in order to thank Saintly Emperor Guan's bless-ing, people of Daxi spontaneously held a celebration parade on his brithday, this celebration has been passed down and many community of believers from different industries and regions has joined a century, for now “Puji Temple Annual Celebration of Saintly Emperor Guan's Birthday” not only registered as Taoyuan City's intangible cultural heritage, but also become Daxi people's second Chinese New Year, fully show the local culture.

This year's celebration will focus on youth's cultural education, promotion for local community and shaping of the brand image of celebration, also planning for parade culture research, popularization of the celebration culture, present Daxi Culture Stage Play, combine innovative thinking and youthful vitality to create a new image for the local celebration.

「2018 Daxidaxi」
A modern religious Festival in which contemporary design joins folk beliefs.
 
7/14 (Saturday) – 8/5 (Sunday) Daxi, Taoyuan | Festive Celebrations
 
June 24th of the Chinese calendar is the celebrated birthday of Shengdegong (Saintly Emperor Guan). During the celebration period, individuals from different industries and regions form “Shetou” groups in participation of procession celebrations. The whole city is filled with carnival spirits as the public indulge themselves in the festive occasion passionately supported by local Daxi residents. This ancient tradition passing down over a century is considered extremely important as Chinese New Year by the residents of Daxi. In 2011, it was registered by the Taoyuan government as an intangible heritage.
 
 
The Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum holds true to the value of promoting this intangible heritage. This year, we are organizing a series of “Daxidaxi – Birth of Saintly Emperor Guan” events based on local beliefs and procession ceremonies while combining contemporary design and art elements: Joint performance by designers and Shetou, Digital Art Party blending beiguan music and performance of Sheng Jian (the holy generals), carnival parade led by innovative puppets which are the creations of local residents , and Taiwanese musical theatre composed by local artists all contribute to “A modern religious Festival in which contemporary design joins folk beliefs.”
 
In addition, this year we have invited Takamatsu City Cultural Asset Department from Kagawa Prefecture to present the content of Hyoge Matsuri(ひょうげ祭り) during celebrations. It consists of 3 different workshops and 1 exchange event. The members of this cultural asset department are joint by local residents in creating procession props, before ultimately engaging in the innovative procession during the opening ceremony in the old town of Daxi.
 
During the “Daxidaxi” activities this year, designs, different forms of art, international cultural exchange and local workshops are important elements to display traditional beliefs. It not only enhances recognition of local culture but also helps deepen the public’s understanding of Daxi.