Festivals
China.org.cn has compiled some of the festivals and events that tourists shouldn't miss when traveling in Sichuan Province.
Longchi Ice & Snow Festival
Launched in 1995, the Longchi Ice & Snow Festival is a large-scale tourist festival held in the picturesque Longchi Scenic Area of Dujiangyan City between December and next March.
Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival
Held during the traditional Spring Festival each year, the Zigong International Dinosaur Lantern Festival is probably the most famous lantern festival in China. It highlights a sea of beautiful lanterns and folk activities.
Chengdu Flower Fair
The Chengdu Flower Fair, which was launched in the Tang and Song dynasties, has a history of more than 1,000 yeas. It is held to mark the birthday of Li Laojun, founder of Taoism, on the 15th day of the second lunar month. That day is also believed to be the birthday of flowers. During the fair, flower nursery holders across Chengdu will set up stalls at the Qingyang Palace to sell all kinds of flowers and landscapes.
Water Releasing Festival
Water Releasing Festival, with a history of more than 1,000 years, is an annual folk festival held on the Tomb Sweeping Day in Dujiangyan City to commemorate the originators of Dujiangyan Irrigation System, namely, Li Bing and his son, and to pray for bumper harvests on the Sichuan plain in the forthcoming year.
Longquan Peach Blossom Festival
Established in 1987, Longquan Peach Blossom Festival is held in Longquanyi District of Chengdu in spring when the Longquan Mountain becomes a sea of blooming peach blossom.
Wawushan Azalea Festival
Each spring, the Wawushan Azalea Festival is held at the Wuwushan National Forest Park of Hongya County. Wawushan Mountain is well-known as "the Kingdom of Azalea in the world. "
Tianpeng Peony Fair
Tianpeng Peony Fair, held in Tianpeng City each spring, offers a great opportunity for tourists to enjoy more than 250 varieties of colorful, fragrant peonies.
Liangshan Yi Torch Festival
The Yi Torch Festival, originated as the worship of nature and fire, fells on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month of each year. During the festival, the Yi people in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest Sichuan Province will wear elaborate costumes, sing and dance, stage horse racing, wrestling and archery competitions, and parade at night with lit torches to dispel pests.
Huanglong Temple Fair
The Huanglong Temple Fair is a traditional, grand folk gathering held in the sixth lunar month every year at the Huanglong Temple in Songpan County. During the festival, pilgrims from Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces will burn incenses and pray at the temple. Local residents and tourists from home and abroad dance and sing here to celebrate the festival.
Tagong Prairie Horse Racing Festival
The grand horse racing festival is held on August 1 annually on Tagong Prairie of the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Hejiang Litchi Festival
Established in 1987, Hejiang Litchi Festival is held annually in Hejiang County, Luzhou City.
Danba Jiarong Tibetan Customs Festival
Danba Jiarong Tibetan Customs Festival, held in Danba County of the Ganze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, showcases the mysterious and unique culture of the Jiarong Tibetan group, one branch of Tibetan Nationality.
Dazhou Yuanjiu Mountain Climbing Festival
Dazhou Yuanjiu Mountain Climbing Festival has a long history of more than one thousand years. On the day of "Yuanjiu" (the ninth day of the first month in the Chinese lunar calendar), a great number of citizens would follow the tradition of climbing up the mountains nearby in commemoration of Yuan Zhen, a renowned official in ancient China who was seen off by local residents on the same day in 818 when he was transferred to Henan Province.
Huayingshan Girls Festival
Huayingshan Girls Festival is a traditional folk festival during which a competition will be held with performers carrying young girls on bamboo-made chairs.
Yibin Liquor Festival
Yibin Liquor Festival is held to pay a tribute to Du Kang, Sage of Liquor, on December 18 every year in Yibin City, home of the world-famous Chinese liquor--Wuliangye.
Mianzhu Lunar New Year Block Prints Festival
Mianzhu Lunar New Year Block Prints Festival is held in Mianzhu City between January and February every year with a full range of cultural activities to celebrate the coming of the Chinese New Year. Mianzhu block prints have remained popular among rural areas for more than 1,000 years. They're adorned with auspicious symbols meant to coax fortune in the new year - harvests, rosy-cheeked toddlers bearing fish and door guardians. Painters create Mianzhu prints by drawing a picture on paper fastened to wood as an outline for carving. Prints are produced when the raised surfaces are coated with ink and then pressed on paper to create image outlines.
Miyaluo Red Leaves Festival
Miyaluo Red Leaves Festival is held in mid-October every year at Miyaluo Maple Scenic Area in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Miyaluo is the largest and most spectacular maple scenic area in China. When autumn comes, Miyaluo is transformed into a fairyland with eye-catching red leaves, tranquil blue skies, white clouds, quiet valleys and gurgling creeks. Besides enjoying the abundant natural beauty, travelers can also visit local residents to experience the unique culture of the Tibetan and Qiang ethnic minorities.
