Gucheng District Festivals and Events

There are 37 ethnic groups living in Gucheng District including Naxi, Han, Bai, Tibetan, Yi, Pumi, etc, among which the Naxi people accounts for 59.54% of the total population. As a result of the combination of the multinational culture and the progress of Naxi ethnic minority, Lijiang Gucheng District displays its charm with unique festivals and brilliant culture. Go through a list of the festivals.

1.San Duo Festival

Sanduo Festival is the one of the grand festivals Naxi people spend in Lijiang. It’s celebrated on lunar Feb 8th each year and has been a traditional and legal holiday for Lijiang. During the day many Naxi people from all around came to visit Beiyuemiao Shrine, offering sacrifice to Sanduo God, Lijiang Municipality will set three days off as public holiday.

2.Torch Festival

Torch festival is a grand traditional festival of southwest China, which falls on 24th in lunar June and continues over three days. There is a special custom that people would burn the “five-color thread” in Lijiang. It symbolizes a good luck for themselves, families and relatives in the future. 

3.Bangbang Festival (Stick Festival)

The Bangbang festival (also called Lantern Festival) is one of the grand festivals for Naxi people in Lijiang. It's celebrated on Jan.15 Chinese Lunar Calendar. The festival is a market place of Naxi minority to buy wood made pieces, flowers, hand made works with bamboo, food, clothes etc. People dress in their traditional custom. The market last for one week.

4.July Festival

July Festival is another important festival of Naxi people. It occurs each middle July according to lunar calendar and mainly involves trading of horse or cows. Thus, it is nicknamed as Horse Trade Festival. During this 10-day-long festival, naxi people will bring their live stocks, herbs and various specialties and throng into Lijiang ancient town. It is a very good opportunity to have a glimpse of local people’s life.

5.Lijiang Snow Mountain Music Festival

Shuhe Old Town of Gucheng District is home to the Snow Mountain Music Festival, which every year brings musicians from around China and the world together for several days. It falls on every August.

6.Naxi Ancient Music Night Show

Naxi ancient music is regarded as soul of Lijiang, and known as ‘living fossil of music’. The Naxi ancient music has 3 features, that is: the piece of music is ancient, the music instrument artists play is ancient, the artists play on the stage are old. Most of music lyrics originate from poetry of Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD) or Song Dynasty (960AD—1279AD). And the music pieces combine the original charm of ancient music and popular tune of Lijiang, which you can appreciate strong Naxi style. 

7.Clubbing

When you come to Gucheng District of Lijiang, it is hard to say that you really appreciate the flavor of Lijiang without enjoying the old town's bars. Choose one to sit down and feel the original songs of these singers, just relax yourself.