China is a magnificent country, one with a long history and rich culture.  Although many cities in China are unique, one in particular stands out for a number of reasons.  If you want to visit China, we strongly recommend that you spend time in Guilin.  Home to 28 ethnic minorities, some that include Dong, Yao, Zhuang, Hui, and Miao, the city embraces all of the different religious and customs beliefs, celebrated with amazing festivals.

This is why in Guilin, cultural festivals are not only popular, but events that create lifetime memories.  Each of the cultural festivals is animated with song and dance, and often, featuring performers dressed in colorful costumes that represent each of the ethnic groups.  Because of this, going to Guilin during the time when festivals take place is popular for tourists from around the world.  The following are a few examples of what you would experience:

  Dragon Boat Festival

 This cultural festival is held every three years on May 5 of the Chinese lunar calendar.  During the festival beautiful dragon boats sit on the Li River with the banks overcrowded with anxious spectators.  Throughout the event, special dragon boat songs are played, drums are beat, and bells rang.

Mountain and River Festival

This is another of the incredible cultural festivals held in Guilin, a time when the natural beauty of this part of China is celebrated and honored.  As a part of the festival, numerous sightseeing tours are arranged specifically for the Li River and mountains.  Locals share folk lore and entertain spectators with traditional dance and song.

Song Festival

This festival is held on March 3 of the Chinese lunar calendar, a celebration of the Zhuang people in which men and women of all ages gather to sing songs about a variety of things but most often, songs that tell a story of love.

Fireworks Festival

For the Dong minority group, the Fireworks Festival is a special holiday.  Depending on the exact part of the country, the day on which this cultural festival occurs varies, which could be anywhere from January to October.  Regardless of the location, three fireworks are lit to symbolize prosperity, particularly good fortune and healthy harvests.

Also check out Li River Cruise