Sanyuesan: Folk art feasts across China

(ECNS)-- Sanyuesan, a traditional festival held on the third day of the third month in the Chinese lunar calendar, was celebrated in high spirits across China this year on Thursday.

Cultural activities, including folk song performances and displays of special intangible cultural heritage, were held in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Dancers perform at the Sanyuasan Festival open ceremony in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on April 11, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)

Over 500 compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait experienced paper-cutting, frog-fastening, and other traditional folk arts in the city.

Among diverse booths in a local market, those offering delicacies like five-colored glutinous rice and freshly squeezed rice noodles saw long queues. 

The unique folk customs of Red Yao, a branch of Yao ethnic group, unfold the charm of intangible cultural heritage.

Pan Jifeng, a nationally recognized inheritor of Yao ethnic clothing (Red Yao clothing), introduced the coming-of-age ceremony for girls.

Girls of Red Yao ethnic group comb their hair at the festival held in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, April 11, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)

"When a girl turns 18, she cuts her hair, which her mother then wraps in red cloth and places in a box. The hair as a part of the girl’s dowry will be coiled on her head along with newly grown hair after marriage. It symbolizes gratitude for her mother and the continuation of life," she said.

Lucas Deckers from Belgium noted that "Many people in my country have heard of Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, but the Double Third Festival is unfamiliar to us. I think it is worth experiencing the traditional Zhuang culture through this special festival in person.” 

Apart from Guangxi, many places have also witnessed colorful events to celebrate the festival.

The birthday celebration of Beidi, the god of water in Taoism, was hosted in Liwan District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province.

The birthday celebration of Beidi, the god of water in Taoism, is hosted in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, April 11, 2024. (Photo/China News Service)

People enjoyed themselves in folk activities, such as lion and dragon dances, Cantonese opera, performances, and Lingnan (southern area of the Nanling Mountains) puppet shows.

A parade displaying the Ao (a large marine turtle), and dragon-lion dances, along with 20 local artworks was held in Shawan ancient town, Guangzhou city.

In Quzhou city, Zhejiang province, a former pig farm was transformed into a show venue where a village fashion show was held to celebrate the festival.

A fashion show named "Phoenix Dance in She Villages" displayed the distinctive attire of the She ethnic group in Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province.

In Lvliang City, Shanxi Province, a temple fair was held in the National Scenic Area of Beiwudang Mountain.

Folk activities and low-altitude helicopter tours were offered, attracting tourists to appreciate the natural beauty and learn about Taoist culture.