Sun Clothes Day in Dazhai village

On July 23rd, the vibrant Sun Clothes Day of the Red Yao ethnic group took place in Dazhai village, Longji town, Longsheng county in Guilin. On this joyous occasion, the local Red Yao people gathered to partake in various ethnic activities, including sun-drying clothes, dressing up, showcasing the craftsmanship of Red Yao clothing, and celebrating with a collective wedding ceremony. This splendid and diverse display of folk culture left the visitors captivated.

Vibrant scene of Sun Clothes Day Festival. [Photo provided by Huang Zhitao]

During this celebration, the Red Yao women brought out their clothes and accessories, carefully hanging them out to dry. The sun-drying platforms and corridors of each household displayed a splendid array of colorful garments, forming a unique and eye-catching spectacle that seemed to paint the horizon with vivid hues of red. By the Fengyu bridge, the air reverberated with the lively beats of drums as the Red Yao girls, adorned in exquisite attire, joyfully sang traditional songs while offering sweet Longji rice wine to guests from all directions, ensuring a memorable and unforgettable experience for the visitors.

Vibrant scene of Sun Clothes Day Festival. [Photo provided by Huang Zhitao]

With the melodious tune of "Long Hair Yao" resonating through the air, hundreds of the Red Yao girls, with cascading long hair, gathered by the stream. They slowly untied their hair buns and meticulously combed their long, black, and beautiful locks, proudly showcasing the unique allure of their ethnic group. The tourists couldn't resist capturing these beautiful moments with their cameras. At the traditional Red Yao wedding, where the couple exchanged red clothes as a symbol of their lifelong commitment, the newlyweds, accompanied by a grand procession of hundreds of guests dressed in splendid Red Yao attire, walked amidst the lush green terraced fields, resembling a mesmerizing living painting.

A Red Yao girl gently combs her beautiful locks by the stream. [Photo provided by Huang Zhitao]

At the arena, there was also a display of national-level cultural heritage - the making of Red Yao ethnic clothing. The Red Yao women sat in front of looms, skillfully passing the shuttle back and forth, and gradually, intricate patterns emerged, captivating the eyes of the visitors.

Red Yao Women showcasing the craftsmanship of making Red Yao ethnic clothing. [Photo provided by Huang Zhitao]

Last year, Dazhai village was named the “best village for tourism” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, attracting many international visitors. In recent years, Longsheng has launched folk tourism brands such as the Plowing Festival, Sun Clothes Day, Incense Jumping Festival, and Dong New Year Festival, promoting the revitalization of the county's cultural and tourism industry. Since the beginning of this year, the county has received a total of 4.46 million visitors and is expected to achieve a total tourism revenue of 5.15 billion yuan.

Procession of Red Yao people in exquisite attire, escorting the newlywed couple. [Photo provided by Huang Zhitao]