A water-splashing festival kicked off on Wednesday in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County in south China's Hainan Province, attracting both locals and foreign tourists to splash water that symbolizes blessings.
A traditional ritual observed by the ancestors of the Li ethnic group has evolved into the festive celebration for all.
This year's festival features more interactive experiences and runs longer than usual, continuing through Saturday. During the event, participants can also enjoy immersive water shows and ethnic art performances, as well as join electronic music parties and stand-up comedy performances.
International tourists from eight countries have come as a group to take part. They joined locals in water fights along the county's main streets, enjoying the unique blessing of cool water.
"I think this activity is really fun. It's the first time for me to take part, and if I have the chance next time, I will come again," said Oliveira Leticia, a tourist from Equatorial Guinea. "We also have a water-splashing festival in Myanmar, but it's different. After coming to Baoting, I also thought a little about my hometown. I think water-splashing represents the New Year, so perhaps from this day onward, it can become a very good beginning. It makes us feel very touched and happy. I've met many friends here. The people are very humorous, so I feel a sense of warmth," said Khaing Phyu, a tourist from Myanmar.
"I saw this event three years ago, but I didn't have the chance to come. This is my first time here, and it's really, really fun. I saw a lot of videos and thought, 'Wow, that looks fun!' I've only been here for one minute, and my clothes are already soaked. I'm happy!" said Jan Kerekes, a tourist from Canada.
Water-splashing festival in Hainan attracts int'l tourists
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on China and Indonesia to strengthen all-round cooperation and pool greater development synergy to jointly tackle risks and challenges.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while co-chairing the first Conference of China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue Mechanism with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono in Jakarta.
Noting that the current international situation is marked by growing turbulence and uncertainty, with unilateralism and hegemonic practices seriously impacting global security and development, Wang said it is timely for China and Indonesia, as major developing countries, to strengthen strategic communication and deepen strategic cooperation, which carries important and far-reaching significance beyond bilateral relations.
Wang said China has always placed Indonesia in an important position in its diplomacy, particularly its neighborhood diplomacy, and is ready to work with Indonesia to enhance mutual understanding and support.
Stressing that the conference marks an important milestone in bilateral relations, Sugiono said China's development has brought enormous opportunities to the world, particularly neighboring countries such as Indonesia.
He said Indonesia and China share closely intertwined interests and stressed the importance of strengthening coordination with China for mutual benefit as Indonesia advances its development strategies.
Sugiono added that Indonesia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China's cause of reunification.
The two sides also agreed to uphold strategic autonomy and firmly support each other's core interests. They also decided to launch the formulation of the China-Indonesia Five-year Action Plan (2027-2031).
Both sides agreed that deepening cooperation in energy and mineral resources serves their common interests, and expressed readiness to jointly build a comprehensive, open and green partnership in energy and mineral resources.
Indonesia spoke highly of the contributions made by Chinese companies to local development, noting that the success of Chinese companies is also a success for Indonesia. It expressed readiness to provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent and friendly business environment.
The two sides also pledged to expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and poverty reduction. They agreed to restart cooperation in fishing, accelerate maritime cooperation and push forward joint development.
They agreed to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and work toward the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Both sides agreed to hold the second meeting of the dialogue mechanism in China next year.
Chinese FM calls for stronger all-round cooperation with Indonesia to tackle risks, challenges
