The Water-Splashing Festival in southwest China's Yunnan Province has drawn visitors from across the country and beyond, fueling a significant surge in tourism revenue for the region.
The festival, marking the New Year for the Dai people, originated as a spiritual ritual to bring blessings and wash away misfortune. Over time, it has transformed into a major attraction, drawing travelers from across China and beyond.
Celebrations began on Sunday, drawing locals and tourists into the centuries-old traditions of the Dai ethnic group.
On Tuesday, a grand annual water-splashing carnival took place in Jinghong of Yunnan's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, with water flying through the air and laughter echoing through the streets.
Armed with basins, water bags, and water guns, revelers turned the streets into a playful battleground of goodwill, and even police officers are not exempted.
"I come from Taitung of Taiwan Province. I'm having such a fun time here. I wish I could come everyday. This is awesome," said Wu, a tourist.
"I'm from Liangshan in Sichuan. Today has been a lot of fun! You could come visit us in July during the Torch Festival, and you can actually play with fire," said Ziluo, another tourist.
The festival is also celebrated in some Southeast Asian countries, where it's widely known as Songkran.
Renowned for its tropical landscapes and rich ethnic culture, Xishuangbanna is a top travel destination, and the festival is giving a strong boost to the local tourism sector.
"Overall the tourist volume has significantly increased from previous years. According to our preliminary estimates, between April 11 and 14, tourist visits reached 1.6 million, generating approximately 1.658 billion yuan in total consumption," said Sui Jianfei, head of the Jinghong Cultural and Tourism Bureau.
The local government hopes to elevate the city's profile through the event, aiming to leverage the visa-free transit policy to attract more visitors to Xishuangbanna.
Water-splashing Festival in Yunnan sparks tourism boom
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
