Cultural event held to enrich summer retreats in Xifeng

Tourists taste the gate-blocking wine during the event. [Photo/WeChat account of Xifeng county]

The grand event attracts crowds of villagers and tourists. [Photo/WeChat account of Xifeng county]

To preserve and promote its ethnic cultural heritage and enrich the lives of villagers and visitors who stay in the village for summer retreats, Lyuhua village in Qingshan Miao ethnic township, Xifeng county, Guiyang, hosted a "Summer Retreats – Joyful Gathering" event on Aug 19.

During the festival, the square was adorned with colorful flags and bustling with people. The event kicked off with the "Gate-blocking Wine" ceremony, where local villagers dressed in festive attire sang and danced, joining the visitors in celebration. They offered traditional gate-blocking wine and sang welcoming songs to warmly greet visitors from near and far.

Taking place in a Miao ethnic gathering area, showcasing minority culture was a key part of the event. The sound of lusheng, a traditional Miao instrument, signaled the start of various performances, including the ethnic lusheng dance, lively square dance, and melodious songs. A diverse array of performances took turns on stage, with joyful and spirited singing and dancing bringing the event to a climax.

In addition to the performances, a traditional sticky rice cake-making experience was offered, allowing visitors to participate in the entire process and eat sticky rice cakes made by their own hands.

During the long-table feast, everyone gathered in the small square, where long tables were neatly arranged. The Miao villagers had carefully prepared special local dishes, which the guests enjoyed to their heart's content, praising the delicious food.

"This is my fourth summer here in Lyuhua village. I arrive in mid-June every year and leave after September," said Lyu Jianxin, a summer visitor from Chongqing. "The environment here is wonderful, the weather is cool, and the villagers are very warm and hospitable. I'm very grateful for the summer festival the locals organized for us. I really love it here."