Lijiang festivals

Bangbang Festival (Stick Festival)
Annually held by the Naxi Group on 15th January of the Chinese lunar calendar, this festival marks the end of the Spring Festival and the beginning of the agricultural production in a new year. Originally held in the local temples as an important religious fair, it was later moved into the Old Town. On that day, locals flock into the Square Street from far and near, selling or buying wooden and bamboo farm tools. In recent years, this festival has grown to be a large trading event, including farm tools, flowers and trees, commodities and toys for children. Now, not only the locals but also a large number of domestic and overseas travelers take part in the Bangbang Festival.

San Duo Festival
San Duo is the patron saint of the Naxi Group, so each year the local Naxi people will get together to hold a worshipping celebration on 8th February of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is considered to be the most important annual event for the Naxi Group. As well as the big communal ceremony, each Naxi family will hold its own sacred ceremony. On that day, the locals also have some outside entertainment and picnics.

Zhuanshan Festival (Walk Around Mountain Festival)
This is one of the very important festivals for those Mosuo people living along the charming Lugu Lake. On every 25th July of Chinese lunar calendar, the Mosuo people will wear their finest clothes, visiting the Lion Mountain beside Lugu Lake on foot or horseback. The Lion Mountain is said to be the embodiment of the Mosuo people's guardian goddess. People will burn joss sticks, hang up colorful prayer flags and offer tributes to their goddess on the mountain. They also hold a series of entertainments such as horse racing, wrestling and singing. At this time, young men and girls will look for their lovers, too.

Torch Festival
This is a famous festival of those of the Yi Group living in Ninglang County of Lijiang. Originally held on every 24th June of Chinese lunar calendar, this festival was supposed to use fire to protect crops from the destructive insect by fire. Now, it is a bustling trading fair in this region, also involving entertainments. By night, the locals will take torches with them, and gather for singing and dancing around a bonfire.