Longjing Village Gala kicks off in Huaxi

The Cool Guiyang · Longjing Village Gala kicked off in Longjing village, Huaxi district, Guiyang on Feb 25, the ninth day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, traditionally known as the Shangjiu Festival among the Bouyei people.

The Cool Guiyang · Longjing Village Gala kicks off in Longjing village, Huaxi district, Guiyang on Feb 25. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Throughout the day, a series of vibrant activities unfolded, including a gate-opening welcome ceremony for relatives, ethnic costume parades, door-blocking wine rituals, bamboo pole dances, ciba (glutinous rice cake) making, and a rural talent stage. Local Huaxi snacks, agricultural specialty products, and cultural creative goods also made appearances.

The event, brimming with rural vitality and diverse cultural expressions, served as a heartfelt and lively celebration for the Year of the Horse.

In the evening, the highlight of the event – the Longjing Village Gala – began amid eager anticipation from villagers. The opening dance ignited the atmosphere with its powerful drumbeats, followed by over a dozen performances, including folk song choruses and cross-talk, all drawing enthusiastic applause.

Villagers dressed in traditional Bouyei costumes prepare door-blocking wine for visitors. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

According to Deng Ke, chief director of the Longjing Village Gala, many of the evening's performers were local villagers, who shared stories of their homeland in the most authentic way. While this year's gala centered on showcasing traditional Bouyei culture, it also invited performance troupes from Miao, Dong, Yi, and other ethnic groups to share the stage. Additionally, international performers were specially invited to participate, adding a unique international element to the gala. The result was a performance that retained its authentic local charm while embracing an open and inclusive global outlook.

Looking ahead, Longjing village will utilize the "Rural Stay·Village Gala" as an opportunity to deepen cultural engagement and optimize services. The goal is to make rural culture the main attraction for visitors staying overnight – allowing everyone to connect with both the landscape and the culture.

Vibrant dances are performed on stage. [Photo/Guiyang news network]