Under the glow of 88 towering bonfires along a 4.8-kilometer avenue, Xichang City in southwest China’s Sichuan Province welcomed 250,000 visitors to the annual Liangshan Yi Torch Festival. Over three days of vibrant performances, the Yi people and global travelers united to celebrate the symbolic power of fire and the enduring charm of Yi culture.
The festivities opened with traditional Yi song-and-dance showcases and displays of intangible cultural heritage, lighting up the night sky and immersing attendees in centuries-old customs. As flames danced and drums thumped, the festival became a living story of a community that sees fire as a source of life, protection, and unity.
Held on the 24th or 25th day of the sixth lunar month, the Torch Festival is the Yi ethnic group’s most important holiday. Rooted in prayers for safety, bountiful harvests, and harmony with nature, this celebration has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage since 2006.
For the young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads exploring cultural landscapes, the Torch Carnival offers an immersive journey into one of China’s most dynamic heritage festivals. With live performances, interactive moments, and story-worthy snapshots, the event bridges ancient traditions and modern connections.
When the final bonfire flickered into dawn, participants carried home more than memories—they took new perspectives on cultural exchange, community spirit, and the universal power of storytelling around the fire.
Reference(s):
Light it up! Torch carnival hails unique ethnic culture in SW China
cgtn.com
