Xizhou Ancient Town Festivals and Events

There are many festivals in Xizhou Town, most of which are relative to Buddhism and Taoism, a unique religion in China. The main inhabitants are Bai, Yi, Lishu, Naxi and Han people. Bai ethnic groups take up the dominant part of the whole population.

Visiting Three Spirits

Each year, on the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month, the people don festival clothes, carry willow branches, rattle sticks in their hands, blow whistles from tree leaves, pluck three-stringed instruments and beat octagonal drums as they proceed to the three temples.

March Street Festival (Sanyuejie)

The March Street Festival is one of the most magnificent festivals of the Bai Ethnic Group in Dali, Yunnan. It falls in mid-“March” (the third month) on Chinese lunar calendar (often corresponding largely to April on the Gregorian calendar). 

Bai Torch Festival

Different from the Yi people, the Bai ethnic Torch Festival takes place one day later, i.e. on 25 lunar June. It is held to commemorate the fiery foundation of the Nanzhao kingdom. 

Benzhu Worship Festival

Benzhu Worship Festival is a religious festival of the Bai people of Dali. The Benzhu is a unique religious belief of the Bai people in Dali. Benzhu is the protector of villages.