Nestled at the foot of Luoqun Mountain (罗群山), Hongluo Village (红罗村) is Shenzhen's sole ethnic minority village and one of the best-preserved sites for the She (畲族) language in China. On the third day of the third lunar month, the village celebrates its grandest and most profound traditional festival, known locally as Sanyuesan (三月三).

For the She people, this festival is a vibrant display of their thousand-year-old heritage. The village streets come alive with the phoenix dress, the She people's traditional costume embroidered with sacred totems and the intricate patterns of seven-colored woven ribbons. Visitors are greeted by the ancient tradition of leaf whistling as elders teach children to transform simple leaves into melodious instruments, preserving a primitive yet magical musical form.

The folk market offers a sensory feast of bamboo weaving, Chinese fans, and fragrant sachets. Nearby, the air is filled with cheers as villagers and guests participate in traditional competitive sports, including archery, whipping top (陀螺), and pitch-pot (投壶). The bamboo pole dance, a century-old tradition for welcoming guests, remains a highlight. Dancers move rhythmically between clashing bamboo poles, inviting everyone to join the celebration of hospitality.

Beyond the festivities, Hongluo Village serves as a crucial conservation zone for the She language. Special classrooms are opened during the festival to teach both children and tourists basic phrases, ensuring that the She culture continues to thrive. 

As dusk falls, the celebration culminates in a spectacular bonfire party. Hand in hand, villagers and visitors form a circle around the bonfires, dancing and singing in a shared promise of reunion.

Author: Dong Han

Photo: Nanfang Plus