"Dancing with Fire" Liangshan Torch Festival | Join a Millennium-Old Celebration of Flames!

The 2025 Xichang Torch Festival will be held from July 11 to August 31, with the theme "Passionate Torch Festival, Most Stunning Ethnic Style," featuring 20 exciting activities. Here's the ultimate guide to the Liangshan Torch Festival and local food recommendations to help you make the most of the festival!

🔥 Must-Do Activities at the Torch Festival

1. Ten Thousand People Torch Carnival Night (July 18)
Time: 20:00-23:00
Location: East Extension of Aerospace Avenue
Highlights: Ten thousand people torch-lighting ceremony, Dati dance, bonfire party, experience the most passionate festival atmosphere of the Yi people.
Follow-up: July 19-20, continue the original torch carnival at Echi Geze Square.

2. Night Tour of Jianchang Ancient Town (July 11-October 31)
Activities: Intangible cultural heritage lantern exhibition, Ming-style parade, ethnic song and dance performances, "Fire Dance Jianchang·Millennium Yi Charm" themed evening.
Special feature: Wear Hanfu for photos and participate in the ancient town treasure hunt.

3. Yi Wedding Customs Experience in Dashiban Ancient Village (July 12-August 24)
Activities: Traditional Yi wedding performances, Ba Ba Banquet, ancient village music season, wrestling, archery.
Photo spots: Rent Yi costumes and take ethnic-style photos at Lingying Temple and ancient alleys.

4. "A Re Niu" Real-Fire Show (July 12-August 16)
Location: Torch Square
Highlights: Yi cultural real-scene performance combining flames, water screens, and lights for a stunning audiovisual experience.

5. Tang Garden National Style Season (July 11-August 31)
Activities: Tang-style market, NPC interactions, Hanfu parade, ethnic handicraft exhibition.

6. Qionghai Lake Cycling
Recommended route: Bird Island → Moonlight Village → Golden Scale Beach, enjoy lotus flowers and egrets along the way.

🍖 Must-Try Foods in Xichang

1. Yi Specialty Dishes
Tuo Tuo Meat: Fist-sized pork/beef, boiled and dipped in chili and salt for original flavor.
Roast Suckling Pig: Free-range Yi pig slow-roasted over charcoal, crispy skin and tender meat.
Sour Potato Chicken: Yi-style pickles with free-range chicken, spicy and appetizing.

2. Xichang Barbecue
Firepot BBQ: Large chunks of pork belly, beef, and intestines, charcoal-grilled for crispy juiciness.
Xiaoyucun BBQ: Features Qionghai fresh shrimp and grilled fish, best with chili powder.
Puge Roast Meat: Original roasting method, rich meat flavor (recommend Huang Family BBQ).

3. Qionghai Lake Delicacies
Drunken Shrimp: Live shrimp marinated in liquor and chili, fresh and spicy.
Three-Way Fish: Fried fish bones, fish slices with tofu, fish head soup, tender and fresh.

4. Snacks & Specialty Drinks
Xichang Rice Noodles: Must-have breakfast, fresh soup and smooth noodles.
Liangshan Hamburger: Buckwheat bread stuffed with pickles and chili.
Gan Gan Wine (Za Wine): Traditional Yi rice wine, slightly sweet and sour.

🚗 Transportation & Accommodation Guide

1. Transportation
Flight: Xichang Qingshan Airport, 30 minutes to downtown by bus/taxi (increased bus frequency during the festival).
Train: Xichang West Station, take bus K1/6 or taxi.
City travel: Bus (check via "Yuecheng Bus" mini-program), ride-hailing (Wanshun/Didi).

2. Accommodation Recommendations
Qionghai Lakeside: Wake up to lake views and birdsong (recommend Tingtao Valley area).
Dashiban Ancient Village/Jianchang Ancient Town: Artistic homestays, convenient for night tours.
Wanda/Qionghai 17°: Well-connected, ideal for festival-hopping.

‼️ Tips
✅ Sun protection: Strong UV in Xichang—bring hats, sunglasses, and SPF50+ sunscreen.
✅ Book early: Accommodation fills fast during the festival.
✅ Participate responsibly: Follow safety instructions at torch events.

This summer, come to Xichang for a fiery celebration of flames and songs! 🔥🎶