Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Festival is in full swing

The 2024 Hainan Seven Fairies Hot Spring Water Fun Festival kicked off in Baoting Li and Miao autonomous county on Friday, running throughout the week until Sunday. The festival aims to showcase the unique cultural charm of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in the county, offering visitors a diverse cultural experience.

Now in its 21st edition, the festival traces its roots back to the year 2000, drawing inspiration from ancient Li ethnic rituals. Legend has it that on Chinese Valentine's Day, or Qixi Festival, the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Seventh Fairy, the youngest daughter of the emperor in heaven, and her husband, Dong Yong, met at the Magpie Bridge. In commemoration of their love, the Li people gather at the hot springs for dancing, singing, and offerings of sacrifices in prayer for favorable weather.