Yanbian Torch Festival Ultimate Guide! Fun from Dawn to Dusk + Hidden Gems Nearby

OMG! The passion of Yanbian Torch Festival is absolutely infectious! Here's your foolproof guide to maximize the fun without any missteps~

⏰ Main Venue at Gesala Yi Ethnic Township (Mark July 16th!)
▪️13:30 The thousand-person Duoluohe dance will blow your mind! Minority girls' pleated skirts swirl like blooming oceans - no camera can capture 1% of this beauty
▪️15:30 Wrestling matches will have you clenching your fists! Hear the muscle collisions from afar, plus cockfighting & goat fights - pure rustic vibes
▪️19:20 Join the 10,000-person Guozhuang dance! Don't be shy - sway to the rhythm as strangers hold your hands in magical circles
▪️20:00 Bimo blessing ceremony will give you chills! When hundreds light torches simultaneously, the sky ignites with falling embers like stars

🍢 Must-Eat List
Sizzling Yanbian beef wrapped in secret-recipe chili powder, melt-in-your-mouth steamed oil-bottom pork, and silky Yanbian tofu with dipping sauce - 3 bowls won't satisfy! Hit the grill stalls at food street for crispy-yet-tender roasted intestines - perfect with ice-cold beer

🚗 Nearby Attractions
▪️Gesala Eco-Tourism Area: Don't leave post-festival! Hike next day through meadows sprinkled with wildflowers like colorful candies
▪️Ertan National Forest Park: Marvel at the dam's grandeur, cruise past cliff-lined shores - every shot is postcard-worthy
▪️Guosheng Tea Village: Bring home fresh tea leaves - the perfect souvenir blending tea aroma with torch smoke

💡 Pro Tips
Wear light colors for better photos! Keep distance from flying embers at bonfire! Check weather for rain/sun protection~ 6hr drive from Chengdu (caution in rainy season), or take high-speed rail to Panzhihua South Station → transfer to Panzhihua Bus Center → take Panzhihua-Yanyuan bus (alight at Gesala stop) - super convenient!

Post by EMILEE CRAIG | Jul 13, 2025