Pause the hike for a moment, I have to make a trip to Yanbian first. The wildest party this summer—the Yanbian Torch Festival—is simply legendary! Hiking on hold, just go for it!

Pause the hike for a moment, I have to make a trip to Yanbian first.

The wildest party this summer—the Yanbian Torch Festival—is simply legendary! 🔥 Hiking on hold, just go for it!

🗓️ Main venue locked · Gesala Yi Ethnic Township
⏰ July 16
1️⃣ 13:30-14:30 Thousand-People Duoluohe Performance: Ethnic minority girls twirling their skirts, intangible cultural heritage dance so stunning it takes your breath away
2️⃣ 15:30-18:30 Traditional Competitions: Wrestling + Cockfighting + Sheep Fighting, go cheer loudly outside the arena
3️⃣ 19:20-19:50 Ten-Thousand-People Guozhuang Dance: Hold hands with strangers and dance wildly, even social anxiety won’t scare you
4️⃣ 19:50-20:30 Bimo Blessing Ceremony: Hundreds light the fire, thousands send the fire, tens of thousands gather around the bonfire, the whole scene explodes with energy
5️⃣ 20:30-21:00 Drone Show: Lighting up the starry sky with technology, a must-see
Bonus: Visit the Gongfu Market in the afternoon (bring home Yanbian specialties); camp under the starry sky at night ✨ super romantic

🏞 Nearby Recommendations
🍃 Gesala Ecotourism Area: Right next to the main venue! Hike through the primeval forest and breathe fresh air, instantly entering a fairyland
🍃 Green Stone Forest Scenic Area: Dark green strange rocks create a mysterious vibe
🍃 Ertan National Forest Park: See the hydropower dam, truly spectacular

🍽️ Don’t forget the food
Yanbian Pickled Fish: Sour and spicy soup base, addictive with every bite!
Yanbian Barbecue: Charcoal-grilled on the spot 🍖, the aroma will make the next table drool!
Yanbian Beef: Eat big chunks of meat and feel amazing! Dipping in chili powder is perfect
🔥 For late-night snacks, head straight to the barbecue stalls! The lively atmosphere is the soul

🚄 Transportation:
🚘 Self-driving: About 6-7 hours from Chengdu to Yanbian County (be careful during the rainy season)
🚅 High-speed train: About 4.5 hours from Chengdu to Panzhihua South Station, then transfer at Panzhihua Passenger Center to a bus from Panzhihua to Yanyuan, get off at Gesala Ecotourism Area on the way

💡 Hard-earned Tips:
✅ Check the weather, bring sunscreen + light jacket + umbrella
✅ Wear comfortable shoes! Dancing and jumping for 3 hours is no dream
✅ Bring a power bank! It’s hard to borrow one on site

✨ There are no bystanders at the Torch Festival, only revelers. See you at Gesala on 7.16! 🔥

Post by NORA GREER | Jul 14, 2025

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