The yearly April 8th Festival is held in the Miao King City beautiful location of Songtao Miao Autonomous County in Tongren, southwest Chinas Guizhou Province, on May 5, 2025./ Photo offered to CGTNThe yearly April 8th Festival is held in the Miao King City beautiful location of Songtao Miao Autonomous County in Tongren, southwest Chinas Guizhou Province, on May 5, 2025./ Photo offered to CGTNOn May 5, the Miao King City beautiful location in southwest Chinas Guizhou Province came alive with lively celebrations as the annual April 8th Festival -- a cherished conventional celebration of the Miao ethnic group that falls on April 8 in the conventional Chinese calendar -- unfolded.The yearly April 8th Festival is held in the Miao King City beautiful area of Songtao Miao Autonomous County in Tongren, southwest Chinas Guizhou Province, on May 5, 2025./ Photo provided to CGTNThe yearly April 8th Festival is held in the Miao King City beautiful area of Songtao Miao Autonomous County in Tongren, southwest Chinas Guizhou Province, on May 5, 2025./ Photo offered to CGTNThe occasion was a dazzling display of Miao culture.
Magnificent performances of flower drum dances and bewitching Miao folk songs filled the air, while thrilling display screens of the unique custom-mades left the audience in awe.
Fishing competitions and bullfighting matches included an interesting touch to the celebrations, and long-table banquets provided a taste of Miao cooking customs.
Miao people from across the province and beyond, resplendently worn their finest standard costumes, converged at the venue.
They joyfully sang, danced, and renowned side by side with the tourists, creating a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.Known likewise as the Yanu Festival, this event has deep historic roots, stemming from commemoration of the revered Miao hero Yanu.
Its cultural significance was officially recognized in 2011 when it was inscribed on the third batch of Chinas National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.The yearly April 8th Festival is kept in the Miao King City beautiful location of Songtao Miao Autonomous County in Tongren, southwest Chinas Guizhou Province, on May 5, 2025./ Photo provided to CGTNThe annual April 8th Festival is held in the Miao King City beautiful location of Songtao Miao Autonomous County in Tongren, southwest Chinas Guizhou Province, on May 5, 2025./ Photo provided to CGTNToday, the April 8th Festival has actually gone beyond ethnic borders, developing into a grand carnival embraced by all ethnic groups.
It stands as the most substantial celebration for the Miao individuals, functioning as a momentous occasion for ancestor praise, honoring heroes, and communal celebration.
Imbued with a profound ethnic spirit and rich cultural heritage, the festival vividly mirrors the Miao peoples passion for diligence and their undeviating aspirations for a better life.