There are numerous ethnical groups and ethnical festivals in Yunnan Province. The number of ethnical festivals, either important or not so important, reaches as many as 400. 

In some ethnical groups, besides the common and important festivals, different branches have different festivals as well. Some festivals are celebrated by many different ethnic groups, but the time, means of celebration and legends may be different. For example, besides Yi, Bai, Naxi and Pumi also celebrate the Torch Festival. 

The water-splashing festival of the Dai people

Besides Dai, Bulang and A’chang also celebrate the Water-splashing Festival. On the occasions of festivals, people will gather together in their traditional costumes, singing, dancing and playing games. The young people will look for their expected lovers and carry on love affairs with each other. Each festival is a jamboree activity when the tourists can get a better understanding of the ethnical culture. 

The torch festival of the Bai and Yi people

Yunnan is inhabited by nearly half of China’s ethnical groups, whose festivals mainly concentrate on the contents of traditional ethnical culture at all levels. Exhibiting the most typical in rather a short period, the festivals with their special features have become a living Folklore Museum. 

The costumes competition of the Yi people

At the festivals, you can see the historical tradition, legends and myths, religion, social thoughts, ethical awareness, and aesthetical standards of the ethnical groups. The clothing, food and drink, songs and dances, recreational activities, and arts of the festivals are spectacular. 

The street banquet of the Hani people

Reflecting the different living customs, production habits, ideas and thoughts, and social structures of the ethnical groups living in various backgrounds of history, geography and culture, the festivals can be rated as an encyclopedia of highly typical and highly iconic ethnical culture. Therefore, Yunnan is a best place for culture exchanges and cultural tourism.