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Ziyuan county in Guilin observed the annual River Lantern and Song Festival to mourn the memory of ancestors and pray for happiness and peace from Aug 24 to 28.
The festival originated from the Zhongyuan Festival, and its customs started during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, recording the way of life of Ziyuan people for thousands of years.
Since the first festival organized by the Ziyuan county government in 1995, it has evolved into a local event mainly focusing on ancestor worship, prayer, commerce, and entertainment.
It has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage item of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and a national-level intangible cultural heritage item.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was suspended in 2021 and 2022.
This year, the festival featured nine special activities, including a river lantern making contest, new song release conference, agricultural and handicraft exhibition and sales, photography exhibition, food competition and firework show.
Girls taking part in a song release conference at the River Lantern Festival pose for a photo. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]
Tourists come and enjoy the festival. [Photo provided to guangxi.chinadaily.com.cn/guilin]
