Yao People Mark 'Clothes Drying' Festival in S China

People of the Yao ethnic group dry clothes in the sun in Longji Township of Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 21. [Xinhua/Liu Jiaoqing]

People of China's Yao ethnic minority celebrated their annual "clothes drying" festival in Longji Township of Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 21.

The festival falls on the 6th day of the 6th month of the Chinese traditional lunar calendar.

That day, local Yao people took their clothes outside their house to dry and seek fortune. Later, dressed in their cherished costumes, they showcased how to make traditional clothes, performed group weddings and gave other exotic performances as a way to attract tourists.

Yao people in the area have observed the festival for centuries. Tradition has it that the celebration ceremony is held between the famous terraced rice paddy fields in this area.

The celebration continues into night and reaches its climax when the people light up their porches under the starry sky. In addition, fireworks are set off.

The celebration varies slightly from place to place. In Guiping County nearby, Yao people stand in squares to wave their hands to the sun and express their admiration at dusk.

The villagers have turned the festival into a signature tourist program and benefited from it economically.

People of the Yao ethnic group weave clothes in Longji Township of Guilin, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on July 21. [Xinhua/Liu Jiaoqing]

(Source: China Women's News & Xinhua/ Translated and edited by Women of China)