Nobel prize winner explores fair in Qingdao

Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Mo Yan recently visited the Boli fair in Qingdao West Coast New Area and captured his market exploration in a vlog.

In the footage, the literary maestro couldn't help but exclaim, "This fair is renowned on the Shandong Peninsula. Upon arrival, witnessing its scale firsthand, it surpassed my wildest imaginings!"

The Boli fair is bustling with stalls and customers. [Photo/WeChat account: qdxihaianfabu]

Located in Boli town, the Boli fair is a folk market boasting a history spanning over 300 years. Over time, it has served as a pivotal hub for rural production, the exchange of daily essentials, agricultural transactions, and a vital social gathering spot for locals.

Encompassing over 10 hectares, the fair is segmented into 32 distinct zones and features 1,600 trading stalls. It is the oldest and most expansive fair in the Qingdao region, bustling every fourth and ninth day of the months of the Chinese calendar.

At the Boli fair, shopping for goods takes a back seat to experiencing the culinary delights. From Boli's succulent roast chicken and pork to an array of dried fruits, melon seeds, and seafood, the market offers a cornucopia of gastronomic delights.

The Boli red mat is also of particular note. Crafted with meticulous care from split sorghum stalks, this handwoven intangible cultural heritage item provides warmth in winter and coolness in summer.