Liannan Yao Autonomous County in Qingyuan will host a series of cultural events from November 15 to December 20 to mark the 19th King Pan Festival and the 16th King Pan Festival Shuagetang Yao Cultural Arts Festival. Shuagetang (耍歌堂), literally "singing party," is a traditional Yao celebration.
The King Pan Festival falls on the 16th day of the 10th lunar month and honors King Pan, the ancestor of the Yao ethnic group. The festival, which dates back more than 1,700 years, is also a time to celebrate the harvest. It was included in the first batch of items added to China's national list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in June 2006.
Some highlights are as follows.
Yao Costume Show
Time: November 20, 19:30–21:00
Venue: Yisheng Yishi Corridor Bridge, Wanshan Chaowang Scenic Area, Sanpai Town (三排镇万山朝王一生一世廊桥)
The show will present traditional costumes from different Yao branches and highlight the ICH skills used to make them.
Yao Culture Exhibition
Time: November 20 to 22, 9:00–16:30
Venue: Museum of Chinese Yao Nationality (中国瑶族博物馆)
Combining artifacts with illustrated panels, the exhibition will trace the origins, migration, arts, customs and beliefs of the four major Yao branches.
Agricultural Products Fair
Time: November 20 to 22, 8:30–21:30
Venue: Liannan Shunde Cultural Square (连南顺德文化广场)
The fair will bring together local agricultural products, Yao-inspired ICH crafts and regional delicacies.
Folk Custom and ICH Parade
Time: November 21, 9:00–12:00
Venue: Main streets of Liannan
Parade groups representing different Yao branches will take to the streets, with performances at designated stops along the route.
Yao Drum Performances
Time: November 21, 15:00–17:00
Venue: Stadium of Liannan Yao Autonomous County (连南县体育场)
Yao performers will perform the Long Drum Dance, Bronze Drum Dance and Yellow Clay Drum Dance.
Theme Gala
Time: November 21, 20:00–21:30
Venue: Stadium of Liannan Yao Autonomous County (连南县体育场)
Yao performing troupes will come together to showcase their music, dance and cultural traditions.
Shuagetang Celebrations
Sub-venue 1
Time: November 22, 9:00–12:00
Venue: Getang Ping, Niulushui Village, Daping Town (大坪镇牛路水村歌堂坪)
The celebrations will feature a traditional village Shuagetang, Pai Yao (排瑶) children's folk rhymes and local singing and dancing.
Sub-venue 2
Time: December 18 to 20, 8:00–12:00
Venue: Yaolong Village, Woshui Town (涡水镇瑶龙村)
The event will feature folk song-and-dance performances.
Winter Village Gala
Time: November 22, 17:30–21:00
Venue: Yaosong Yao Dance Bonfire Gala Stage (瑶颂・瑶族舞曲篝火晚会演艺舞台)
The event will offer a lively showcase of rural culture and traditions.
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | Nanfang Plus
