Complete Guide to the 27th River Lantern Song Festival and the 10th Danxia Cultural Tourism Festival in Resource County, Guangxi
Every year in mid-July of the lunar calendar, Resource County in Guilin, Guangxi welcomes its most important traditional festival—the River Lantern Song Festival. This folk celebration combines two major elements: 'song' and 'lanterns', carrying a thousand years of cultural memory while attracting visitors with its unique spectacle of 'ten thousand lanterns floating on the Zijiang River'. From August 20 to 26, 2023, Resource County will host the 27th National Traditional River Lantern Song Festival and the 10th Danxia Cultural Tourism Festival. During this time, this small city in northern Guangxi will transform into an ocean of songs and a world of lights.
Historical Origins and Cultural Significance of the River Lantern Song Festival
The history of the Resource River Lantern Song Festival can be traced back to the Tang and Song dynasties. Its origins are closely linked to Zijiang waterway shipping culture and customs related to Zhongyuan (the Ghost Month). Initially held by boatmen as a sacrificial activity for safe navigation, it gradually evolved into a comprehensive folk event that integrates ancestor worship, blessings, commerce, and entertainment. In 2014, it was included in China's fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects list—marking national recognition and protection for this cultural treasure.
The traditional craft of making river lanterns contains rich cultural codes. The complete production process includes eight steps: cutting materials; breaking bamboo strips; preparing components; shaping; finishing; pasting paper; coloring; final product—each requiring exquisite skills from artisans. Among these steps, shaping is particularly crucial as craftsmen use techniques like bending or tying bamboo strips about chopstick thickness into various auspicious shapes such as lotus flowers or palace lamps. These river lanterns are not only exquisite crafts but also serve as carriers for people's memories and wishes.
Schedule for Festive Activities in 2023
River Lantern Making Competition (August 20-26) This year's competition will take place at Haoting Hotel along Binhai Riverside Walk from North City Bridge. Participants must demonstrate their skills live through four core processes: shaping; finishing; pasting paper; coloring. Judges will score based on creativity in design quality craftsmanship depth cultural significance among other criteria. An experience area will allow ordinary tourists hands-on participation so they can feel firsthand charm associated with intangible heritage culture.
New Songs Release Conference (August 24 from 20:00-21:30) A conference featuring original songs such as "Singing Mountain Songs on Lotus Stage", "Resource World", "Love for Resources" will be held at Shuanglong Athletic Field resource county where local famous mountain singers perform demonstrations allowing audiences appreciate music while experiencing unique local culture natural scenery simultaneously.
“Danxia Flavor” Agricultural Specialty Products Exhibition & Sale (August24-28) With an impressive forest coverage rate reaching up to83% ,this region's exceptional environment nurtures numerous high-quality agricultural specialty products .This exhibition sale occurs within Gui Bei New Heaven Square extending towards Binjiang Road showcasing items including highland tea 富硒 rice homemade sweet potato flour cured meats sausages alongside traditional handicrafts like Miao embroidery bamboo weaving etc..These products represent both affordability quality reflecting wisdom lifestyle indigenous people here . n Scenic Photography Exhibition & Contest Launch Ceremony(August24-28) n A photography exhibition titled “Danxia Resources” highlighting local landscapes ethnic customs rural revitalization achievements takes place at government square concurrently launching “Yuegui Cup” photo contest inviting photographers nationwide capture distinctive charms presented by resources county.The exhibited works vividly showcase natural wonders like Bajiaozhai’s danxia formations scenic views along Zijiang riverside festivities during river lantern song festival . n n ### Must-See Featured Events n Food Carnival(August24 -28 ) n The central garden area transforms into culinary paradise gathering most representative snacks locals offer.Tourists enjoy tasting dishes such as Wupai oil tea divine tofu fern cake Miao family insect cuisine each possessing unique flavors deeply rooted historical context serving excellent window understanding food cultures present day resources county . n Mountain Singing Performance(August25 from19 :30 -21 :30 ) n At Zijiang Light Valley Scenic Area there’ll be performances themed around ‘Lantern Waves Songs Tides’ featuring representatives dressed ethnic costumes singing together expressing emotions celebrating life across generations.This intergenerational tradition showcases profound artistic foundations embedded within communities throughout resources county . n Long Table Feast Medicinal Cuisine Competition(August26from10 :00 -13 :00 ) n Known widely referred dubbed ‘natural pharmacy’,over1800 species wild medicinal herbs thrive locally.Alongside North City Bridge long tables filled delicious dishes prepared using native ingredients highlight health benefits derived through culinary practices passed down generations blending ancient wisdom modern tastes seamlessly creating unforgettable dining experiences commemorating traditions behind gastronomy arts medicine alike! ### Grand Finale：Lantern Floating Fireworks Display（August26at20：00） Highlight moment comes alive when thousands colorful illuminated lanterns float upon surface waters illuminating entire landscape surrounding them symbolizing hopes dreams shared collectively under night sky fireworks extravaganza unfolds nearby offering stunning visual feast merging nature humanity harmoniously! Together they form captivating tapestry revealing essence beauty found uniquely captured within hearts minds everyone visiting resource counties festivities! ### Recommended Nearby Tourist Attractions Bajiaozhai Danxia Landform As one seven most beautiful danxias China,Bajiaozhai renowned globally due typical concentrated landforms seen here spanning regions betweenGuangxi Hunan provinces housing peak forests solitary peaks hills micro topography earning title‘Soul Of World’s Danxias’.Visitors climb observation decks admire breathtaking views shifting clouds competing peaks experiencing artistry crafted nature itself ! Gumuchong Scenic Area Featuring pristine forest landscapes diverse ecosystems draw many travelers seeking solace away urban chaos connecting intimately surroundings.In addition well-maintained trails viewing facilities enable comfortable exploration ecological secrets hidden deep woods! ## Practical Information Travel Tips Accessing resource counties convenient traveling approximately two hours via car departing downtown Guilin.During festive periods crowds swell thus advance booking accommodations recommended.Local guesthouses provide cozy settings immerse guests fully regional cultures best spots witness lighting events claimed early arrival suggested portable folding chairs brought prepare chilly evenings riverside wear warm clothing layers too! This millennium-old folk celebration represents continuity preserving promoting traditional values serves significant platform showcasing uniqueness intrinsic character belonging solely identified residing resource counties.Whether dazzling displays mesmerizing melodies delightful cuisines majestic danxias all contribute unforgettable experiences cherished fondly remembered future endeavors.