All Ethnic Minorities Festivals in Yunnan Province

Yunnan has the largest number of ethnic populations in China, with 26 ethnic minorities including Bai, Yi, Dai, Naxi, Hani, Miao, Tibetan, Hui, and Yao. Yunnan offers a unique and exciting experience of ethnic customs, with more than 400 ethnic festivals celebrated throughout the year. The ethnic minorities maintain their unique folk traditions and customs full of myths, singing, dances, paintings, and ancient music. China Highlights has listed the following ethnic festivals worth attending while visiting Yunnan.

There are numerous ethnic groups and festivals in Yunnan Province. The number of ethnic festivals, either important or not so important, reaches about 400. In some ethnic groups, besides the common and important festivals, different branches have different festivals as well. Some festivals are celebrated by many different ethnic groups, but the time, means of celebration, and legends may differ. For example, besides Yi, Bai, Naxi, and Pumi also celebrate the Torch Festival. Besides Dai, Bulang, and A’chang also celebrate the Water-Splashing Festival.

On the occasions of festivals, people gather together in their traditional costumes, singing, dancing, and playing games. Young people look for their expected lovers and carry on love affairs with each other. Each festival is a jamboree activity where tourists can get a better understanding of ethnic culture.

The List of Ethnic Festivals in Yunnan