Overview

• Chinese Name:  中越边境苗族花山节
• English Name: Sino-Vietnam Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe
• Location: 河口县苗族壮族乡老街子村/Laojizi Village of Qiaotou Miao, Hekou County

Sino-Vietnam Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County is held in Laojiezi Village of Qiaotou Miao and Zhuang Ethnic Town.This festival, often held annually, brings together not only local Miao communities but also other ethnic groups and visitors from various regions, including neighboring Vietnam. It serves as a platform for cultural exchange, performance, and the preservation of Miao customs.

Key Features of the Huashan Festival:

1. Cultural Performances: The festival is renowned for its lively cultural performances, which include traditional Miao music, dance, and drama. Participants often don colorful traditional costumes adorned with intricate embroidery and silver accessories, showcasing the artistic craftsmanship of the Miao people.
2. Flower Symbolism: The name “Huashan” translates to “Flower Mountain,” and flowers play a significant role in the festival. The Miao often celebrate nature, and the festival involves rituals that honor the beauty of flowers, representing vitality and abundance. Flower-wearing traditions are an important aspect, with participants wearing flowers in their hair or clothing.
3. Singing Competitions: An essential element of the festival is the singing competition, where Miao individuals and groups showcase their vocal talents. The songs often express themes related to love, work, and the beauty of nature, reflecting the Miao’s connection to their environment and cultural values.
4. Traditional Sports and Games: The festival features various traditional sports and games, providing entertainment and encouraging friendly competition among attendees. Activities may include tug-of-war, archery, and other folk games that engage participants and foster community spirit.
5. Culinary Traditions: Food is central to the festival, with numerous food stalls and communal feasts featuring traditional Miao cuisine. Dishes may include rice, meats, and various local delicacies, allowing attendees to experience the rich flavors of Miao culinary traditions.
6. Cultural Exchange: The Huashan Festival promotes cultural dialogue and understanding between the Miao and other ethnic groups, including the Vietnamese community, celebrating shared customs and fostering goodwill among participants.
7. Community and Family Focus: The festival provides an occasion for families and communities to come together, reinforcing social ties and celebrating their shared heritage. This aspect is particularly important for the Miao community, where collective identity and family bonds are integral to cultural continuity.

Conclusion

The Sino-Vietnam Huashan Festival of the Miao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County serves as a vibrant celebration of the Miao culture, showcasing its unique traditions, arts, and community spirit. Through music, dance, food, and shared experiences, the festival not only preserves the Miao’s cultural heritage but also fosters understanding and friendship among different ethnic groups. As a dynamic and colorful event, it reflects the living culture of the Miao people and their connection to their land and traditions.

Overview and Purpose

• Chinese Name:  河口县海鲜美食文化节
• English Name: Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival
• Location: Hekou County

The Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival is an annual celebration held in Hekou County of Yunnan Province, which borders Vietnam along the Red River. This festival highlights the rich aquatic resources of the region and promotes the local seafood industry while fostering cultural exchange within the community and with neighboring areas.

The Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival aims to celebrate the diversity of seafood available in the region, promote local culinary traditions, and encourage tourism. It showcases Hekou’s unique geographical advantages, being located near the confluence of the Red River and its tributaries, which provides a rich supply of freshwater fish and other aquatic products.

Local Activities

The Seafood Culture Festival features a variety of activities that reflect the region’s seafood heritage and cultural richness:

1. Seafood Tasting and Cooking Demonstrations:
   • Local chefs and culinary experts showcase a range of seafood dishes, highlighting traditional cooking methods and regional flavors. Visitors can taste various seafood delicacies, including fish, shrimp, crabs, and mollusks prepared in diverse ways.
2. Seafood Market:
   • Local fishermen and vendors set up stalls to sell fresh seafood and other related products. The market provides an opportunity for both locals and visitors to purchase high-quality seafood directly from the source.
3. Culinary Competitions:
   • Cooking contests feature local chefs and community members as they compete to create the best seafood dishes. These competitions often embrace creativity and tradition, with judges evaluating presentations, taste, and originality.
4. Cultural Performances:
   • The festival includes traditional dance and music performances, showcasing local talent. Artists may perform traditional songs and dances that highlight the culture of Hekou and the surrounding ethnic groups, enriching the festive experience.
5. Fishing Contests:
   • Engaging the local community, fishing contests are organized where participants of all ages compete in friendly competitions to catch fish. These events encourage local participation and community spirit.
6. Sustainable Fishing Awareness Programs:
   • The festival may also include educational seminars and workshops on sustainable fishing practices and the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems, raising awareness about environmental conservation.
7. Cultural Exchange Activities:
   • Given Hekou’s proximity to Vietnam, cultural exchange programs allow for interaction between Hekou residents and visitors from Vietnam. This may include displaying traditional crafts, sharing culinary techniques, or music and dance performances from both cultures.

Significance

1. Cultural Preservation: The festival helps to preserve and promote the culinary heritage of Hekou County and its seafood traditions, fostering an appreciation for local culture.
2. Tourism Promotion: By showcasing local seafood and culture, the festival attracts tourists, contributing to the local economy and encouraging the development of tourism in Hekou.
3. Community Involvement: The festival enhances community bonds as locals come together to celebrate, participate in activities, and support each other’s businesses. It serves as a platform for social interaction and networking.
4. Sustainability Awareness: Through education on sustainable fishing practices, the festival promotes responsible aquaculture and raises awareness about protecting aquatic environments, ensuring the longevity of the seafood industry.
5. Culinary Renaissance: The festival serves as a stage for culinary innovation, where traditional dishes are revitalized and new recipes are developed, contributing to the culinary landscape of Yunnan Province.

The Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival is a vibrant celebration that encapsulates the region’s rich seafood culture, fosters community spirit, promotes sustainability, and enhances tourism. It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to explore the unique culinary offerings of Hekou and engage with its cultural heritage.

Chinese Name:  中越(河口)边境经济贸易交易会
English Name:  Sino-Vietnam (Hekou) Border Trade Fair
Location: Hekou County, Honghe

The 2024 China-Vietnam (Honghe) Border Economic, Trade, and Tourism Fair is a large-scale international event focused on enhancing economic, trade, and tourism cooperation between China and Vietnam. It aims to foster mutual benefit and deepen economic and cultural exchanges in border areas.

Basic Information

• Event Name: 2024 China-Vietnam (Honghe) Border Economic, Trade, and Tourism Fair
• Event Dates: November 26 – December 1, 2024
• Venue: Hekou International Convention and Exhibition Center, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
• Organizers: People’s Government of Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province; Trade Promotion Agency of Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade; People’s Committee of Lao Cai Province, Vietnam

Historical Background

Honghe Prefecture and Vietnam share a long history of border trade cooperation:

1. Geographical Advantage: Honghe Prefecture borders Vietnam with an 848-kilometer-long boundary and has key national ports, including Hekou Highway Port, Hekou Railway Port, and Jinshuihe Port.
2. The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway: This century-old railway bears witness to the deep-rooted economic and trade development between Honghe Prefecture and Vietnam.
3. Upgraded Event: The fair integrates previous events such as the Hekou Border Fair and Jinping Border Fair. It adopts the new name “China-Vietnam (Honghe) Border Economic, Trade, and Tourism Fair” for the first time, reflecting enhanced market-oriented operations and a focus on professionalization.

Event Theme

“Shared Development, Win-Win Cooperation”

• Emphasizes in-depth cooperation in economy, trade, and tourism between China and Vietnam.
• Provides an efficient platform for business exchanges and showcases opportunities for economic integration in the border regions.

Event Highlights

Opening Ceremony and Core Activities

• Dates: November 26–27, 2024
• Activities: Opening ceremony, cultural performances, and exhibitions.

Specialized Exchange Events

1. China-Vietnam Economic and Trade Delegation Talks: High-level discussions between Yunnan Province and Lao Cai Province, Vietnam.
2. Cross-Border Logistics and Trade Investment Exchange: Discussions on cooperation opportunities in cross-border logistics and trade.
3. Joint Promotion Conference: Showcasing key investment projects from both sides.
4. Cross-Border Tourism Promotion: Highlighting tourism resources in the Honghe River Basin and fostering cross-border tourism partnerships.
5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Trade Exhibition: Focusing on international cooperation in the Chinese herbal medicine sector.

Exhibitions and Trade Shows

• 600 Standard Booths in total, divided into two main exhibition halls:
  • China Pavilion (Hall 2): 5,500 square meters.
  • Vietnam Pavilion (Hall 1): 3,800 square meters.
• Featuring 8 specialized exhibition areas:
  1. Consumer Electronics and Components Pavilion
  2. Light Textile and Apparel Pavilion
  3. ASEAN Specialty Goods Processing Pavilion
  4. Industrial Park Pavilion
  5. Cross-Border Logistics Pavilion
  6. Cross-Border E-Commerce Pavilion
  7. Honghe Nine Reds Pavilion
  8. Culture and Tourism Pavilion

Vietnam’s Exhibition Highlights

• 200 Booths for Vietnamese Enterprises showcasing products such as coffee, durian, bird’s nests, Chinese herbal medicine, specialty goods, consumer electronics, and textiles.
• Vietnamese enterprises will also engage in trade procurement during the fair.

Scale and Expectations

• Participating Enterprises: Over 1,000 companies from China and Vietnam.
• Visitors: Expected to exceed 200,000 attendees.
• Exhibition Area: A total of 9,300 square meters across both pavilions, covering multiple industries, making it the largest and most high-profile event in the fair’s history.

Innovations and Highlights

1. Market-Oriented Operations: For the first time, the fair is operated under market mechanisms, adhering to the principles of “economy, efficiency, and pragmatism,” raising its level of professionalization.
2. Honghe River Basin Cooperation: Inviting provinces in Vietnam’s Honghe River Basin to deepen regional collaboration.
3. Cross-Border Integration: Key focus on cross-border logistics and e-commerce to create new opportunities for businesses.

The 2024 China-Vietnam (Honghe) Border Economic, Trade, and Tourism Fair is poised to promote openness and collaboration, further strengthening economic, cultural, and tourism ties between China and Vietnam. As an important international platform for the border regions, the event is set to inject new vitality into bilateral trade and regional development.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 河口县布依族牛王节
• English Name: Ox King Festival (Niuwang) Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe
• Location: Hekou County, Honghe

The Ox King Festival, known as the Niuwang Festival, is an important cultural celebration for the Buyi Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This vibrant festival reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Buyi people and is centered around agricultural activities, particularly the vital role of oxen in rice farming.The Ox King Festival of the Buyi Ethnic Minority in Hekou County is more than just a celebration; it is a vital expression of cultural identity, agricultural heritage, and community spirit. Through rituals, music, dance, and shared meals, the festival reflects the deep connection the Buyi people have with their land and traditions. By honoring the oxen, they celebrate the essential role these animals play in their agricultural practices, ensuring the continuity of their cultural practices for generations to come.

Key Features of the Ox King Festival:

1. Cultural Significance: The Ox King Festival honors the oxen, which are regarded as symbols of strength, hard work, and prosperity. In Buyi culture, oxen are essential for plowing fields, making them integral to agricultural success. The festival expresses gratitude and respect for these animals.
2. Rituals and Offerings: During the festival, various rituals are performed to honor the oxen. This includes making offerings of food, flowers, and incense to the Ox King, a spiritual representation of the ox. These ceremonies are deeply rooted in the agricultural calendar, typically coinciding with the start of the farming season.
3. Traditional Music and Dance: The celebration features traditional music and dance performances. Participants often wear colorful ethnic costumes, showcasing the unique styles of the Buyi people. The dances may narrate historical stories or reflect daily life, celebrating the community’s heritage.
4. Ox Procession: One of the highlights of the festival is the ox procession, where beautifully decorated oxen are paraded through the streets. This spectacle is not only a show of strength but also a joyous display of community spirit, drawing locals and visitors alike.
5. Culinary Delights: Food plays a significant role in the festivities. Traditional Buyi dishes are prepared and shared among the community, reinforcing social bonds. Dishes often include rice, meat, and various local specialties.
6. Community Gathering: The festival serves as a platform for community bonding. Families and friends come together to celebrate, reinforcing cultural identity and solidarity among the Buyi people. It is also an opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding with other ethnic groups.
7. Agricultural Activities: The Niuwang Festival is closely linked to the agricultural calendar, signifying the beginning of the farming season. Educational activities may be held to inform younger generations about farming practices and the importance of oxen in sustaining their livelihoods.

Overview

• Chinese Name: Panwang Festival of Yao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe
• English Name: 河口县瑶族盘王节
• Location:Hekou County, Honghe

The Panwang Festival, also known as the “King of the Pan Festival,” is a significant cultural celebration for the Yao ethnic minority in Hekou County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This festival is characterized by vibrant traditional customs, religious rituals, and community gatherings, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and beliefs of the Yao people.The Panwang Festival is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that highlights the connection between the Yao people, their ancestors, and the natural world. Through rituals, music, dance, and communal gatherings, the festival exemplifies the Yao community’s values of gratitude, unity, and cultural pride. It is an opportunity for the Yao people to celebrate their unique identity and traditions, ensuring that they are passed down through generations.

Key Features of the Panwang Festival:

1. Cultural Significance: The Panwang Festival is a time to honor the “Pan Wang,” or King Pan, a legendary figure in Yao mythology who is associated with agriculture and the protection of the people. The festival serves as a way to thank the ancestors for bountiful harvests and to pray for prosperity and blessings for the coming year.
2. Timing: The festival typically takes place in late autumn after the harvest season. It aligns with the agricultural calendar, making it an important time for the Yao communities to come together, reflect on their agricultural achievements, and prepare for the future.
3. Rituals and Offerings: During the festival, various rituals are performed to pay tribute to the ancestors and the gods. Offerings are made, which often include food, rice wine, fruits, and other items as a way to honor the spirits and seek their favor. These rituals are an essential aspect of the festival, emphasizing spiritual connections.
4. Traditional Music and Dance: A key feature of the Panwang Festival is the rich array of traditional music and dance performances. Participants dress in colorful Yao costumes, often adorned with intricate patterns and embroidery. The performances include folk songs, traditional dances, and sometimes theatrical presentations that reflect Yao folklore and stories.
5. Culinary Traditions: As with many ethnic festivals, food plays a crucial role in the Panwang Festival. Families prepare traditional Yao dishes, and communal feasting is common. Popular dishes may include rice, various meats, and local specialties, which are shared among families and guests, reinforcing the bonds within the community.
6. Community Gathering: The Panwang Festival serves as a vital occasion for community bonding. Families and friends come together to celebrate, share stories, and reinforce cultural ties. It fosters a sense of collective identity among the Yao people, strengthening relationships within the community.
7. Cultural Exhibition: The festival may also include exhibitions of traditional crafts, showcasing the skills and artistry of the Yao people. This serves to educate younger generations about their cultural heritage and promote awareness of Yao traditions to visitors.

Overview and Purpose

• Chinese Name: 文山市文山国际三七节
• English Name: Wenshan International Pseudo-ginseng Festival
• Location: Wenshan City

This festival celebrates the local culture, agricultural products, particularly pseudo-ginseng (commonly known as “pseudo-ginseng” or “Hu Zhang” in Chinese), and promotes Wenshan’s unique biodiversity and economic development. Pseudo-ginseng is a traditional herbal medicine used in various traditional Chinese remedies and is cherished for its perceived health benefits.

The primary purpose of the Wenshan International Pseudo-ginseng Festival is to promote the cultivation and use of pseudo-ginseng, a significant agricultural product of the region. The festival serves as a platform to showcase local agricultural advancements, engage with international partners, and boost tourism in Wenshan. Additionally, it highlights the cultural heritage of the Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups, who have historically utilized pseudo-ginseng in their traditional practices.

Local Activities

The Wenshan International Pseudo-ginseng Festival features a wide range of activities designed to showcase the region’s agricultural products, cultural heritage, and community spirit:

1. Pseudo-Ginseng Exhibitions and Sales:
   • Farmers and producers display their high-quality pseudo-ginseng products, allowing visitors to learn about its cultivation, benefits, and different forms. This also includes opportunities for attendees to purchase the product directly from the source.
2. Culinary Demonstrations:
   • Local chefs showcase traditional and innovative dishes that incorporate pseudo-ginseng. Workshops and tastings allow visitors to experience its unique flavors and health properties in various culinary contexts.
3. Cultural Performances:
   • The festival features traditional performances from the Zhuang and Miao ethnic populations, including folk dances, songs, and cultural displays that celebrate the rich heritage and customs of the local communities.
4. Workshops and Seminars:
   • Educational sessions led by experts in herbal medicine, agriculture, and local ecosystems provide valuable insights into the cultivation and benefits of pseudo-ginseng, as well as discussing sustainable agricultural practices.
5. Competitions:
   • Various competitions may take place during the festival, including contests for the largest or best-quality pseudo-ginseng, culinary contests featuring dishes made with pseudo-ginseng, and cultural competitions.
6. Health and Wellness Activities:
   • Given the emphasis on pseudo-ginseng’s health benefits, the festival may include activities related to wellness, such as traditional Chinese medicine demonstrations, herbal health consultations, and holistic workshops.
7. International Exchange:
   • The international aspect allows for the participation of foreign guests, businesses, and institutions, fostering cultural and economic exchanges that can enhance trade opportunities for pseudo-ginseng and other local products.

Significance

1. Promotion of Local Economy: The festival promotes the cultivation and commercialization of pseudo-ginseng, supporting local farmers and boosting the regional economy.
2. Cultural Heritage Celebration: By showcasing the traditions and customs of the Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups, the festival helps preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Wenshan.
3. Tourism Development: The festival attracts both domestic and international tourists, enhancing Wenshan’s visibility as a travel destination and promoting local hospitality and services.
4. Awareness of Traditional Medicine: Through educational initiatives, the festival raises awareness about the benefits of pseudo-ginseng and traditional medicine, encouraging healthier lifestyles and holistic health practices.
5. Sustainable Agriculture: Discussions and workshops centered on sustainable practices foster a commitment to environmental stewardship among local farmers, ensuring the preservation of the region’s biodiversity.

In summary, the Wenshan International Pseudo-ginseng Festival is a vibrant celebration of agriculture, culture, and community. It promotes pseudo-ginseng as a valuable local product while highlighting the traditions of the Zhuang and Miao communities, making it a key event for both local residents and visitors.

Chinese Name: 文山市万亩万寿菊
English Name:Ten-thousand Mu Marigolds Gardens in Wenshan City
Location:文山市德厚镇以诺村委会乌龟塘村/以奈黑村/平坝镇杜孟村委会

Overview and Purpose

• Chinese Name: 文山市平坝油菜花节
• English Name: Pingba Rapeseed Flowers Festival in Wenshan City
• Location: Pingba Yi Ethnic Town of Wenshan City

The Pingba Rapeseed Flowers Festival is an annual event held in Wenshan City. This colorful festival celebrates the breathtaking blooming of rapeseed flowers (also known as canola flowers), which typically takes place in the spring. The festival highlights the natural beauty of the region, promotes local agriculture, and showcases the cultural richness of the local communities.

The main purpose of the Pingba Rapeseed Flowers Festival is to honor the vibrant rapeseed flower fields that attract visitors with their spectacular yellow blooms. The festival serves as a platform for promoting tourism, supporting local agricultural products, and fostering cultural exchange among residents and visitors alike. It emphasizes the importance of agriculture in the local economy while providing an opportunity for people to enjoy the natural landscape and partake in cultural activities.

Local Activities

1. Flower Viewing: One of the main highlights of the festival is the stunning views of the vast fields covered in bright yellow rapeseed flowers. Visitors can stroll through the fields, take photographs, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
2. Cultural Performances: The festival includes traditional music and dance performances from local ethnic groups, such as the Zhuang and Miao communities. These performances showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage and provide entertainment for attendees.
3. Culinary Activities: Local food vendors set up stalls to offer traditional dishes that may incorporate rapeseed flowers or local agricultural products. Visitors can sample authentic Yunnan cuisine, enhancing their festival experience through food.
4. Photography Contests: Many visitors partake in photography contests that take place during the festival. These competitions encourage attendees to capture the beauty of the rapeseed fields, the cultural performances, and the festive atmosphere.
5. Agricultural Exhibitions: The festival may include exhibitions that focus on local agricultural products and innovations. Farmers and producers can showcase their goods, providing an opportunity for networking and direct sales.
6. Workshops and Demonstrations: Educational workshops on the cultivation of rapeseed and its agricultural practices are often part of the festival. These sessions promote sustainable farming techniques and the importance of the rapeseed industry for the local economy.
7. Community Activities: Various community-based activities, including games and contests, help foster a sense of camaraderie among local residents and visitors. These events might include traditional sports or cultural games that reflect local customs.

Significance

1. Promotion of Local Agriculture: The festival emphasizes the importance of rapeseed farming to the local economy and promotes farming practices that support sustainable agriculture.
2. Tourism Development: The visual appeal of the blooming rapeseed flowers attracts tourists from various regions, increasing local tourism and stimulating economic growth through hospitality and related services.
3. Cultural Heritage Preservation: By showcasing the traditions, music, and dances of the local ethnic groups, the festival plays a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Wenshan.
4. Environmental Awareness: The festival promotes appreciation for the natural beauty of the area, highlighting the importance of environmental conservation and the relationship between agriculture and nature.
5. Community Engagement: The festival fosters involvement and unity among local residents, strengthening community ties through collaborative activities and shared experiences.

Chinese Name: 文山市东山彝族乡彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Dongshan Yi Ethnic Town, Wenshan City
Location:
http://www.37.gov.cn/info/1035/47006.htm

Chinese Name:文山市坝心彝族乡万亩梨园
English Name: Ten-thousand Mu Pear Blossoms Garden in Baxin Yi Ethnic Town of Wenshan City

Overview

The Wanmu Pear Orchard in Baxin Yi Township, Wenshan City, was established in 2009 by Wenshan City Xinyi Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd. This agricultural technology enterprise integrates planting, breeding, science popularization, training, and sightseeing. The company has established a 900-acre planting and breeding base in Xiaopingba Village, Baxin Township, which includes over 600 acres of pear trees. Currently, 400 acres are bearing fruit, with an expected yield of 400 tons this year and an estimated output value of 800,000 RMB.

Economic Impact

The company promotes economic growth by establishing bases and developing economic forest fruit planting. It pays local farmers over 200,000 RMB annually in land rent and employs nearby villagers, with annual wage payments exceeding 400,000 RMB. Additionally, it encourages local farmers to develop over 1,000 acres of fruit tree planting, significantly boosting local incomes. The pears are primarily sold to Vietnam, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Kunming, and other cities within the province, where they are highly favored by customers.

Baxin Yi Township Pear Blossom Festival

Festival Highlights

On March 14, Baxin Yi Township hosted the Baxin Tapu Pear Blossom Festival, themed “Strolling through the Ten Thousand Acres of Pear Blossoms, Smiling Pear Blossoms in the Spring Breeze.” The event was held both online and offline, allowing on-site visitors and online audiences to learn about local agricultural tourism culture and appreciate the natural scenery.

Opening Ceremony

The festival officially opened at 2:30 PM with a variety of performances, including songs, dances, recitations, and calligraphy, creating a lively atmosphere.

Dance Performance – “Ode to the Pear Blossoms”: The dance performance, themed around pear blossoms, featured graceful and light movements, showcasing the beauty of the blossoms and the charm of classical dance, earning rounds of applause from the audience.

Performer Fang Lei: “I am very happy to participate in the Baxin Pear Blossom Festival. The scenery here is very beautiful. The dance ‘Ode to the Pear Blossoms’ is very fitting. I am grateful to the festival for providing this stage. For friends who love photography, I recommend coming to Baxin to enjoy the flowers and travel.”

Performer Lu Guanghuan: “Today, we collaborated with the Wenshan Writers Association on the program ‘Ode to Baxin,’ celebrating the pear blossoms and raising awareness of their beauty.”

Activities

After the cultural performances, various activities took place, including:

• Finding the King of Pear Trees Activity & Aerobic Exercise
• Photography Contest Themed around Pear Blossoms
• Live Streaming by Online Celebrities and Showcasing Baxin Specialties

Influencers, photography enthusiasts, and visitors enjoyed the scenic orchard, taking photos and sharing their experiences. Additionally, enthusiasts in traditional costumes displayed Hanfu and performed Qipao shows amidst the pear blossoms, creating a visual feast.

Local Resident Song Tinghui: “The government has grandly organized the Pear Blossom Festival in Baxin, which hasn’t been this lively for many years. We locals are very happy and hope more tourists will come to Baxin to celebrate, enjoy the pear blossoms, and taste the Tapu pears.”

Visitor Mu Guanrui: “I heard about the Baxin Pear Blossom Festival in early March and have been looking forward to it, planning to come with friends for photography. Today, the festival finally opened. The local culture is very simple, their ethnic costumes are very beautiful, and the pear blossoms in Baxin are stunning. It was worth the trip.”

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: Mid to late March, during the pear blossom festival.
• Location: Baxin Yi Township, Wenshan City. The main spots to see the pear blossoms are Xiaopingba Village and the surrounding areas.
• Activities: Enjoy cultural performances, participate in photography contests, and explore the scenic pear orchards.
• Local Specialties: Don’t miss tasting the delicious Tapu pears and exploring local ethnic cultures.

For a memorable visit, plan your trip around the pear blossom festival to experience the full beauty and vibrant culture of Baxin Yi Township.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 砚山县壮族尝新节
• English Name: New Rice (Changxin) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Yanshan County, Wenshan
• Location: Doantown of Yanshan County, Wenshan

The New Rice Festival, known as the Changxin Festival, is an important cultural event celebrated by the Zhuang ethnic minority in Yanshan County, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. This festival marks the end of the rice harvest season and is a time for the Zhuang people to express gratitude for the year’s harvest, celebrate their agricultural heritage, and partake in their rich cultural traditions. The Festvical is a vibrant and multifaceted celebration that honors the importance of rice cultivation and agricultural practices in Zhuang culture. Through rituals, communal activities, traditional music, and culinary delights, the festival exemplifies the Zhuang people’s deep connection to their land, their gratitude for the harvest, and their commitment to preserving their cultural traditions. It is a festive occasion that reinforces community bonds, celebrates identity, and ensures the continuity of cultural practices for future generations.

Key Features of the Changxin Festival:

1. Cultural Significance: The Changxin Festival is deeply rooted in the agricultural cycle of the Zhuang people. It celebrates the arrival of new rice, signifying abundance, fertility, and the community’s connection to the land. The festival is both a harvest celebration and a time for honoring ancestors, paying respects to the spirits that protect their fields.
2. Timing: The festival is typically celebrated after the primary rice harvest, usually in late summer or early autumn. This timing aligns with the agricultural calendar and is a moment of reflection and gratitude for the food produced.
3. Rituals and Offerings: Rituals during the Changxin Festival often include making offerings to ancestors and deities. These offerings usually consist of cooked new rice, fruits, and other food items. This act of giving thanks is central to the festival, as it acknowledges the blessings and protection received throughout the year.
4. Traditional Music and Dance: The festival features vibrant cultural performances, including traditional music and dance. Zhuang folk songs are sung, often accompanied by local instruments. Traditional dances, characterized by lively movements and colorful attire, are performed to celebrate cultural identity and community spirit.
5. Culinary Traditions: Food is a major highlight of the Changxin Festival. Families prepare special dishes made with the new rice, showcasing unique Zhuang culinary practices. Communal feasting is a common activity, and sharing meals symbolizes unity and kinship within the community.
6. Community Activities: The festival serves as an opportunity for the Zhuang community to come together, participate in various activities, and strengthen social ties. Activities may include games, competitions, and storytelling, all of which foster community engagement and cultural pride.
7. Cultural Exchange and Recognition: The Changxin Festival may attract visitors from other regions and even tourists, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. It serves as a platform for the Zhuang people to showcase their unique traditions and practices, raising awareness of their rich cultural heritage.

Overview

Yanshan County （砚山县）is the “hometown of Yi’s Xianzi Dance”(弦子舞之乡) in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture(文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province. The Yi people here have been dancing in strings since ancient times. They have been enduring for thousands of years and have become an indispensable content of life for the local Yi people. 

Xianzi dance gets its name from the accompaniment of strings, the player led the dance as he played, with the men and women arm in arm or fork waist, fork hand dance together. The movement is generous, the rhythm is bright, the whole body swings and beats with the string rhythm surface different amplitude, its step and the string rhythm coordination and harmony, has the charm and the characteristic.

Heiyudong Village

Heiyudong Village（黑鱼洞村） of Yanshan County has been the most important place of Xianzi Dance, which is still intimately related to everyone’s daily lives, Which brought about the saying of “courting while money to a Xianzi for festivity.” Among the 244 Yi dwelled families, 22 troupes are constituted by old and young, and everyone in between who liked singing or dancing. They inherited and improved dancing to the Xianzi under Lights which was selected as an intangible cultural heritage of the Wenshan Zhuang and Autonomous prefecture. Competitions such as Xianzi dance(弦子舞) and the Jinqianbang have won provincial and county level awards.

Dance in the Torch Festival

On the eve of Torch Festival(火把节), Yi people working outside of village return home to reunite with their families. When night falls, bonfires were lit ablaze with roaring flames in the village, at the entrance of the stockade and in the square. Residents from nearby villages also come to the square at Heiyudong Village and so begin a night with singing and dancing. Happy laughters and cheerful voices are heard all over. Strangers from afar are warmly welcomed by the Yi. The darkening night ushers in the climax of the carnival, comes the most touching and romantic moments. Young people will seek their ideal mate and express their feelings through the dance of Xianzi. 

Chinese Version: http://www.yizuren.com/social/yxfz/34486.html

Translated by Bella Ren/任新月

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

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Article of Yunnan Tour, Yunnan Travel, Yunnan Travel Agency, Yunnan Trip, Yunnan Guide

Sino-Vietnam Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe

Overview Chinese Name:  中越边境苗族花山节 English Name: Sino-Vietnam Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe Location: 河口县苗族壮族乡老街子村/Laojizi Village of Qiaotou Miao, Hekou County Sino-Vietnam Huashan Festival of Miao...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Miao Ethnic Minority
• Hekou County
• Honghe
• Miao Ethnic Minority

Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival

Overview and Purpose Chinese Name:  河口县海鲜美食文化节 English Name: Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival Location: Hekou County The Hekou County Seafood Culture Festival is an annual celebration held in Hekou County...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Hekou County
• Honghe

Sino-Vietnam (Hekou) Border Trade Fair

Chinese Name:  中越(河口)边境经济贸易交易会 English Name:  Sino-Vietnam (Hekou) Border Trade Fair Location: Hekou County, Honghe The 2024 China-Vietnam (Honghe) Border Economic, Trade, and Tourism Fair is a large-scale international event focused on...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Hekou County
• Honghe

Ox King Festival (Niuwang) Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe

Overview Chinese Name: 河口县布依族牛王节 English Name: Ox King Festival (Niuwang) Festival of Buyi Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe Location: Hekou County, Honghe The Ox King Festival, known as the...

Buyi Ethnic Minority    Veiw

• Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Festivals of Buyi Ethnic Minority
• Hekou County
• Honghe

Panwang Festival of Yao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe

Overview Chinese Name: Panwang Festival of Yao Ethnic Minority in Hekou County, Honghe English Name: 河口县瑶族盘王节 Location:Hekou County, Honghe The Panwang Festival, also known as the “King of the...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Yao Ethnic Minority
• Hekou County
• Honghe

Wenshan International Pseudo-ginseng Festival

Overview and Purpose Chinese Name: 文山市文山国际三七节 English Name: Wenshan International Pseudo-ginseng Festival Location: Wenshan City This festival celebrates the local culture, agricultural products, particularly pseudo-ginseng (commonly known ...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Wenshan

Ten-thousand Mu Marigolds Gardens in Wenshan City

Chinese Name: 文山市万亩万寿菊 English Name:Ten-thousand Mu Marigolds Gardens in Wenshan City Location:文山市德厚镇以诺村委会乌龟塘村/以奈黑村/平坝镇杜孟村委会 Overview The Wanmu Marigold Fields in Wenshan City are a notable agricultural attraction. The fields cover a...

Attractions    Veiw

• Gardens
• Wenshan
• Wenshan City

Pingba Rapeseed Flowers Festival in Wenshan City

Overview and Purpose Chinese Name: 文山市平坝油菜花节 English Name: Pingba Rapeseed Flowers Festival in Wenshan City Location: Pingba Yi Ethnic Town of Wenshan City The Pingba Rapeseed Flowers Festival is...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Wenshan
• Wenshan City

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Wenshan City

Chinese Name: 文山市东山彝族乡彝族火把节 English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Dongshan Yi Ethnic Town, Wenshan City Location: http://www.37.gov.cn/info/1035/47006.htm...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority
• Wenshan
• Wenshan City

Ten-thousand Mu Pear Blossoms Garden in Baxin Yi Ethnic Town of Wenshan City

Chinese Name:文山市坝心彝族乡万亩梨园 English Name: Ten-thousand Mu Pear Blossoms Garden in Baxin Yi Ethnic Town of Wenshan City Overview The Wanmu Pear Orchard in Baxin Yi Township, Wenshan City, was...

Attractions    Veiw

• Gardens
• Wenshan
• Wenshan City

New Rice (Changxin) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Overview Chinese Name: 砚山县壮族尝新节 English Name: New Rice (Changxin) Festival of Zhuang Ethnic Minority in Yanshan County, Wenshan Location: Doantown of Yanshan County, Wenshan The New Rice Festival, known...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Festivals of Zhuang Ethnic Minority
• Wenshan
• Yanshan County

Xianzi Dance of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yanshan County, Wenshan

Overview Yanshan County （砚山县）is the “hometown of Yi’s Xianzi Dance”(弦子舞之乡) in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture(文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan Province. The Yi people here have been dancing in strings since ancient...

Axi Ethnic People    Veiw

• Wenshan
• Yanshan County