The torch festival of China's Yi ethnic group is in full swing in Sichuan Province's Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China, featuring bonfire parties and other distinctive folk activities that attract numerous people to enjoy the immersive ethnic experiences.
As the largest community of Yi ethnic group in the country, Liangshan hosts the festival, which opened on July 19 and will run through mid-August with a series of events.
The performances preserve the ancient fire culture traditions of the Yi ethnic group. Tourists join local residents in singing and dancing among the terraced fields, experiencing the unique charm of Yi fire culture up close.
"I attended the grand torch festival with thousands of people, and the atmosphere was great. There were many people of the Yi ethnic group and they were very warm-hearted. All the free shuttle buses were very well arranged," said Liu Yuxi, a tourist.
The daytime competition venues are equally lively, with classic folk sports such as horse racing and wrestling taking place in turn, drawing bustling crowds around the venues.
This year's torch festival has mobilized 17 counties and cities across the prefecture, hosting 98 distinctive cultural tourism events. Each county leverages its local resources to create themed activities with unique features.
With an average summer temperature of 20 degrees Celsius, the cool climate, combined with the rich festival activities, continues to drive cultural tourism consumption.
"I find the relatively authentic torch festival quite appealing. After we arrived, we tried Yi makeup and costumes, and visited local villages where we experienced Yi embroidery. I think the culture is truly beautiful," said Li Bo, another tourist.
The torch festival is a traditional celebration of the Yi ethnic group, usually held around the 24th day of the sixth month on the Chinese lunar calendar each year.
Torch festival in southwest China thrills local Yi ethnic group, tourists
