A sizzling summer celebration of goat cuisine & culture
2025-07-23 08:43
As the scorching summer heat sets in, the perfect time for nourishing "Fu Yang" (midsummer goat cuisine) has arrived. On July 18, the 2025 Changxing Island Countryside Park 2nd Fu Yang Festival commenced, offering visitors a vibrant celebration blending gourmet food, intangible cultural heritage, and live music.
As dusk fell, the festival opened to the sound of melodious performances, drawing crowds of eager attendees. Rows of aromatic food stalls lined the venue, tempting visitors with sizzling lamb skewers fresh off the grill, crispy-on-the-outside yet tender roasted whole goat, and rich, flavorful offal soup. The star ingredient—Chongming white goat—won over diners with its tender, lean meat and delicate texture. Many festival-goers shared that eating goat during the hottest summer days has become an annual ritual, satisfying both their taste buds and their health, as it is believed to boost vitality in traditional Chinese medicine.
Beyond the feast, the festival buzzed with cultural activities. Stalls showcased traditional handicrafts and local agricultural products, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in heritage while indulging in delicious fare. This year, the park collaborated with the Changxing Town Party Service Center to introduce a live music zone, blending food, entertainment, and family-friendly fun to electrify the atmosphere.
Under the theme "Goat Feast, Joyful Changxing," the festival will run until August 17, featuring a packed schedule of activities for all ages. In addition to daily lamb banquets and night markets, weekends will host special events like watermelon eating contests, goat head eating challenges, face-changing performances, and shooting games, ensuring a dynamic cultural and culinary experience.