Zhuzhu celebrations begin in Hechi

People of the Yao ethnic group gathered in Tonggu Square, Dahua Yao autonomous county, Hechi, to celebrate the Zhuzhu Festival, on June 23.

A wide range of activities were organized for the three-day celebrations, including folk custom and culture performances, spinning top, cross-bow shooting, and some competitions, all of which displayed the profound cultural riches and spiritual features of the Bunu Yao ethnic group.

Yao ethnic people gather in Tonggu Square, Dahua Yao autonomous county, Hechi, to celebrate the Zhuzhu Festival, on June 23. [Photo/gx.people.cn]

As the home of Yao ethnic groups in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, Dahua has preserved abundant Yao traditions, with the festival as a strong example awarded the title of "Wild China – Best Cultural Tourism Festival with National Characteristics".

Local residents perform traditional Yao dancing to celebrate the Zhuzhu Festival. [Photo/gx.people.cn]

The Zhuzhu Festival, previously known as Danu Festival, is the most important traditional festival of the Yao ethnic group and marks the beginning of the local New Year. It usually falls on the 29th day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar in honor of Miluotuo, the goddess of creation in the Yao belief.

Residents from Yalong township, Dahua Yao autonomous county, take traditional drum performances to the stage. [Photo/gx.people.cn]

A traditional Yao dance is performed in celebration. [Photo/gx.people.cn]