Guilin offers a diverse array of cultural and natural attractions throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for travelers in any season. Here are the monthly highlights of events and festivals that showcase Guilin’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes:
January – Jinfeng Festival (禁风节)
- When: Lunar January 20th
- Where: Lingui District, Guilin City
Start the year by experiencing the traditional Jinfeng Festival in Guilin’s Lingui District. This ancient festival is celebrated to protect against evil winds and ensure good health and prosperity for the year ahead.
February – Huapao Festival (花炮节)
- When: Lunar January 14th
- Where: Shikou Village, Sanjiang Township, Gongcheng County
The Huapao Festival is a lively event where locals compete by throwing flower cannons to win prizes and blessings. This exciting spectacle draws visitors to Gongcheng County for a unique cultural experience.
March – Gongcheng Peach Blossom Festival
- When: Early March
- Where: Gongcheng County
March brings the breathtaking Peach Blossom Festival in Gongcheng, where thousands of peach trees bloom across the countryside. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of pink blossoms while exploring the charming villages.
April – San Yue San (三月三歌圩节)
- When: Lunar March 3rd
- Where: Across Guilin
The San Yue San festival is a traditional singing competition celebrated by various ethnic groups in Guilin. People gather in open fields to sing folk songs and celebrate love, life, and community.
May – Niu Hun Festival (牛魂节)
- When: Lunar April 8th
- Where: Zhuang Villages, Longsheng County
The Niu Hun Festival honors the soul of the buffalo, which is crucial to agricultural life in Longsheng’s Zhuang villages. Visitors can witness buffalo rituals and enjoy cultural performances in a scenic rural setting.
June – Fuli Folk Culture Tourism Festival
- When: Lunar May 8th
- Where: Fuli Town, Yangshuo County
This festival celebrates Fuli Town’s rich folk traditions. Visitors can participate in cultural events, taste local delicacies, and learn about the town’s history of handmade paper fans.
July – Shai Yi Festival (晒衣节)
- When: Mid-July
- Where: Longsheng County
The Shai Yi Festival is a colorful event where locals dry their traditional garments in the sun. It’s a great time to explore Longsheng’s villages and witness this unique cultural tradition against the backdrop of terraced fields.
August – River Lantern and Song Festival
- When: Around the Ghost Festival (Lunar Mid-July)
- Where: Ziyuan County
In August, Ziyuan County hosts the River Lantern and Song Festival, where people float lanterns on the river to honor their ancestors. The festival also includes lively folk song performances.
September – Two Rivers and Four Lakes Lantern Festival
- When: Mid-Autumn Festival
- Where: Guilin City, Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area
The Lantern Festival lights up Guilin’s iconic waterways during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Visitors can admire colorful lantern displays while cruising along the rivers and lakes.
October – Rock Climbing Festival
- When: October 24th
- Where: Yangshuo County
October is a prime time for rock climbing enthusiasts to visit Yangshuo for its Rock Climbing Festival. Climbers from around the world come to scale the county’s famous karst peaks.
November – Landscape Culture Tourism Festival
- When: Early November
- Where: Across Guilin
The Landscape Culture Tourism Festival celebrates Guilin’s natural beauty and cultural heritage with events such as photography contests, art exhibitions, and scenic tours.
December – “Impression Liu Sanjie” Performance
- When: December
- Where: Lijiang River Scenic Theater, Yangshuo County
End the year with a mesmerizing performance of “Impression Liu Sanjie”, set against the backdrop of the Lijiang River. This large-scale outdoor show combines music, dance, and stunning visuals to tell the story of a legendary folk heroine.
Guilin’s festivals and cultural events offer something for everyone, making it a destination that you can enjoy year-round. From breathtaking natural scenery to vibrant local traditions, each month brings a new adventure!