It is one of the Tibetan special festivals in Aba County, and has developed from religious events to a folk and commercial holiday. The "Zha" means "the pottery", and the "Chong" means "the market". That is to say, it is a grand pottery fair.

During the festival, people from the borders of Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai Provinces gather here to do business. The festival falls on May 20 of the lunar calendar, when people met to recite the "True Sutra". Today, the assembly for chanting "True Sutra" gradually developed to the spectacular folk festival.

On the fair, besides reciting the "True Sutra", it will be held many activities, such as horserace, wrestling and Guozhuang Dance, etc. At the same time, many merchants from everywhere come here to deal in the pottery business. The pottery is the favorable ware here, though there are many other articles on the market. As the pottery was the main product available in the market at that time, people termed it "Zhachong" (pottery fair).

Nowadays, a new city on grassplot has been built up at the place where the original pottery fair was held. This traditional festival of the Abas (people living in an autonomous area called "Aba") has been promoting economic prosperity in this area. In February 1985, the date of the Zhachong Festival was determined on June 15 to 17 of each lunar year under the consultation of the County's People's Government with representatives of all circles.

When
June 15 to 17 of each lunar year

Where
Aba County

Tip
The "Zha" means "the pottery", and the "Chong" means "the market". That is to say, it is a grand pottery fair.

Link
If you want to learn more about Tibet Festivals, please check our Festivals
http://www.tibettour.com.cn/ent/festivals/menu.asp

China Tibet Tour (www.tibettour.com.cn/ent)