A bullfighting event is held in Yafan town, Jinhua, in February 2023. [Photo/Tide News]
The Jinhua Bullfighting Association was established in Yafan town, Wucheng district, Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on Sept 20. This marks a new chapter for Jinhua bullfighting, a traditional folk culture with a thousand-year history.
Jinhua bullfighting was listed as a provincial intangible cultural heritage item in 2007. However, in recent years, the tradition has faced challenges including fewer performances or competitions, high maintenance costs, and limited incomes for breeders.
Currently, bullfighting events are only held during traditional festivals in a few areas in Jinhua.
A turning point came on April 10 when the Jinhua bureau of culture, radio, television, and tourism included bullfighting in its annual activity plan as part of the city's 2025 pro-consumption initiative. On the same day, He Jianmin, Jinhua's only bullfighting commentator, began preparations for the association.
At the inaugural meeting, the first council of the Jinhua Bullfighting Association was elected, with He serving as vice-president and secretary-general. The association has over 50 members from across the city.
The association aims to promote the sustainable development of Jinhua bullfighting through cultural preservation, event regulation, and brand promotion. Plans include training programs for breeding and training bulls, as well as organizing regular competitions, performances, and exchanges to boost its influence, said its president, Zhan Yonggao.
The meeting also announced the first Bull King Championship, scheduled for Oct 2 to 4 in Hanzao village, Yafan town. It will offer generous prizes, including 20,000 yuan ($2,811.77) for the champion, 12,000 yuan for the runner-up, and 8,000 yuan for the third-place winner.
Additional activities, including an intangible cultural heritage fair and concerts, will also be held to create a vibrant cultural and tourism festival for visitors.
