The 12th Canal Temple Fair opens in Hangzhou. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

The 12th Canal Temple Fair opened on Nov 13 across six cultural blocks along the Grand Canal in Hangzhou. It will run through Nov 16, turning the entire canal district into a real-life, time-travel adventure.

The signature activity — an immersive Song Dynasty (960–1279) Monopoly stamp-walking game — lets visitors roam stone-paved streets with a themed map, collect stamps by interacting with shops and non-player characters, and win prizes such as show tickets and dining vouchers.

Each block offers a distinct experience.

Dadou Road debuts the new IP Dou Dou the Kitchen God and stages a stilt-walking parade inspired by the renowned painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival.

Qiaoxi Block highlights traditional crafts, from paper-cutting to seal carving, alongside the Yangtze River Delta Chrysanthemum Art Festival and various Song-Dynasty-style cultural experiences.

An opera performer interacts with the audience. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Xiaohe Park hosts a bread festival, gathering nearly 50 bakeries with music and comedy performances.

An online event, the Good Luck Canal Walk, allows visitors to check in at six cultural locations via a mini-program to unlock exclusive posters and gift packs.

"We hope this innovative format lets visitors experience both the thousand-year charm of old Hangzhou and the fresh energy of cultural tourism," said Zhang Zhiyi, deputy general manager of the Grand Canal tourism company, the event's organizer.

This year's fair also introduces a content co-creation mechanism, encouraging visitors to share their experiences online for exclusive rewards — blending tradition with modern engagement.

Various booths are set during the temple fair. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]