Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Yuanmou County, Chuxiong

Basic Introduction

Chinese Name: 元谋县羊街镇苗族花山节
English Name: Huashan Festival of Miao Ethnic Minority in Yuanmou County, Chuxiong
Location:元谋县羊街镇/Yanjie Town, Yuanmou County

The Huashan Festival, also known as “Jumping the Field,” “Jumping Flowers,” “Playing with Flower Hills,” and “Stepping on Flower Hills,” is a festival that honors the ancient Miao ancestor “Chiyou.” It usually takes place between the first and the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The main activities include climbing flower poles, singing contests, playing the bamboo flute, practicing martial arts, and horse racing and bullfighting.

Historical Origins

The ancestors of the Miao people faced invasions from foreign tribes, and under the leadership of their chief Chiyou, they rose up in resistance. However, they were ultimately defeated due to being outnumbered and were forced to scatter in all directions. To gather his people, Miao chief Chiyou erected a flower pole on the mountain and instructed the musicians to play the bamboo flute. Upon hearing the familiar sound of the flute, the Miao people flocked from all directions to gather under the flower pole and began to rebuild their lives. Since then, the Miao people have held the “Huashan Festival” every year to commemorate their chief Chiyou and to celebrate the reconstruction of their new life.

Main Activities

The Miao Huashan Festival is held annually from the second to the sixth day of the lunar month. During this time, Miao people from all directions flood into the Flower Mountain area like a tide. They dance the three-step dance and the kicking dance around the “flower pole,” play bamboo flute ensembles, perform lion dances, and engage in bullfighting, creating a joyous atmosphere throughout the Flower Mountain area. Young men and women sing mountain songs to express their affection for each other; once they fall in love, they exchange tokens of love, pledging their commitment to a lifelong partnership.