Guilin

๐ŸŽ‰

Traditional Festivals

Sections

1. Zhuang Song Festival (ๆญŒๅœฉ่Š‚ - Gฤ“xลซ Jiรฉ)

  • Cultural Significance: The Zhuang Song Festival is one of the most important celebrations for the Zhuang ethnic group, the largest minority in Guangxi. It honors Liu Sanjie, a legendary Zhuang folk singer, and celebrates the Zhuang people's love for music, poetry, and nature.
  • When: Held annually on the third day of the third lunar month (usually in April).
  • Key Activities:
    • Folk Singing Competitions: Zhuang people gather to sing antiphonal songs (a form of call-and-response singing) in their traditional costumes.
    • Traditional Games: Activities like bamboo pole dancing, tug-of-war, and spinning tops are common.
    • Food and Craft Fairs: Visitors can enjoy Zhuang delicacies such as sticky rice cakes and purchase handmade crafts.
  • Locations: The festival is celebrated in various villages and towns around Guilin, with Yangshuo and Longsheng being popular spots.
  • Costs: Most events are free, but some performances or workshops may charge a small fee (10โ€“50 RMB). Food and crafts are available for purchase.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Be respectful of the performers and their traditions.
    • Wear comfortable shoes, as many events are held outdoors in hilly or rural areas.
    • Learn a few Zhuang phrases or songs to engage with locals.

2. Longji Rice Terraces Fireworks Festival

  • Cultural Significance: This festival celebrates the agricultural heritage of the Yao and Zhuang people who have cultivated the Longji Rice Terraces for centuries. It is a time to pray for a good harvest and honor the hard work of farmers.
  • When: Held in mid-June, coinciding with the planting season.
  • Key Activities:
    • Fireworks Displays: Spectacular fireworks light up the terraces at night.
    • Rice Planting Demonstrations: Visitors can join locals in planting rice, a hands-on cultural experience.
    • Cultural Performances: Traditional Yao and Zhuang dances and music are performed.
  • Locations: Longji Rice Terraces, particularly in Pingโ€™an and Dazhai villages.
  • Costs: Entry to the terraces costs around 80 RMB. Participation in activities may require additional fees (20โ€“50 RMB).
  • Practical Tips:
    • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the terraces illuminated by fireworks.
    • Wear waterproof shoes if you plan to participate in rice planting.
    • Respect the environment and avoid littering in the terraces.

3. Dragon Boat Festival (็ซฏๅˆ่Š‚ - Duฤnwว” Jiรฉ)

  • Cultural Significance: Celebrated nationwide, the Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the ancient poet Qu Yuan and promotes unity and teamwork. In Guilin, it is particularly vibrant due to the cityโ€™s proximity to rivers and lakes.
  • When: The fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually in June).
  • Key Activities:
    • Dragon Boat Races: Teams compete in colorful dragon boats on the Li River or Taohua River.
    • Zongzi Tasting: Locals prepare and share zongzi (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves).
    • Cultural Exhibitions: Displays of traditional Chinese medicine and calligraphy.
  • Locations: The Li River in Guilin city center and nearby towns like Yangshuo.
  • Costs: Watching the races is free. Zongzi and other snacks are sold for 5โ€“20 RMB.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the races.
    • Be mindful of crowds, especially near the riverbanks.
    • Try zongzi with different fillings, such as sweet red bean or savory pork.

4. Yao Red Clothes Festival

  • Cultural Significance: This festival is unique to the Yao ethnic group and celebrates their vibrant culture, particularly their traditional red clothing, which symbolizes happiness and prosperity.
  • When: Held in late October or early November.
  • Key Activities:
    • Fashion Parades: Yao women showcase their intricate red garments and silver jewelry.
    • Hair Combing Ceremony: A traditional ritual where Yao women, known for their long hair, demonstrate their unique hair care practices.
    • Folk Dances and Songs: Performances highlight Yao traditions and legends.
  • Locations: Longsheng County, especially in Huangluo Yao Village (also known as the Long Hair Village).
  • Costs: Entry to the village costs around 60โ€“80 RMB. Additional fees may apply for workshops or guided tours.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially during the hair combing ceremony.
    • Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts or jewelry.

5. Mid-Autumn Festival (ไธญ็ง‹่Š‚ - Zhลngqiลซ Jiรฉ)

  • Cultural Significance: This traditional Chinese festival celebrates family reunions and the harvest under the full moon. In Guilin, it is a time for moon-gazing and enjoying local delicacies.
  • When: The 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October).
  • Key Activities:
    • Lantern Displays: Beautiful lanterns are lit and floated on rivers or displayed in parks.
    • Mooncake Sharing: Families and friends exchange and eat mooncakes, which come in various flavors.
    • Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are held in public squares.
  • Locations: Guilin city center, including Ronghu and Shanhu Lakes, and Seven Star Park.
  • Costs: Lantern displays are usually free. Mooncakes cost 10โ€“50 RMB depending on the type.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Join locals in moon-gazing by the lakes for an authentic experience.
    • Try different types of mooncakes, including Guilinโ€™s unique taro and osmanthus flavors.

6. Dong New Year Festival

  • Cultural Significance: Celebrated by the Dong ethnic group, this festival marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year. It is a time for thanksgiving and community bonding.
  • When: Held in November or December, depending on the Dong calendar.
  • Key Activities:
    • Grand Banquets: Villagers host communal feasts featuring traditional Dong dishes.
    • Kam Grand Choir Performances: The Dong peopleโ€™s polyphonic singing, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a highlight.
    • Bullfighting and Horse Racing: Traditional sports are held in some villages.
  • Locations: Dong villages in Sanjiang County, about 2โ€“3 hours from Guilin.
  • Costs: Entry to villages may cost 50โ€“100 RMB. Meals and performances may have additional fees.
  • Practical Tips:
    • Book transportation and accommodation in advance, as the villages can get crowded.
    • Be respectful of the Dong peopleโ€™s customs and avoid interrupting performances.

Local Customs and Considerations

  1. Dress Modestly: When visiting ethnic villages or participating in traditional ceremonies, avoid wearing overly revealing clothing.
  2. Gift-Giving: If invited to a local home, bring a small gift such as fruit or tea to show appreciation.
  3. Photography Etiquette: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during rituals or ceremonies.
  4. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few phrases in the local dialect or ethnic languages can help you connect with locals.
  5. Respect for Nature: Many festivals are held in natural settings. Avoid littering and follow local guidelines to preserve the environment.

By attending these festivals, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Guilinโ€™s cultural and social life while enjoying the cityโ€™s breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality.