Gansu Festivals and Events

Gansu Province is a multi-ethnic region, home to 16 ethnic minorities including Hui, Tibetan, Dongxiang, Tu, Yugur, Baoan, Mongolian, Sala, Kazakh, Manchu, and others. Each of these groups has its own unique customs. Consequently, the festivals and customs of the ethnic groups in Gansu are influenced by the seasonal practices of various cultures while also showcasing distinct ethnic characteristics.

Apart from the traditional festivals like the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and Lantern Festival, Gansu boasts a variety of large-scale cultural and religious celebrations. Let's take a closer look at some of these events.

Spring Festival Street Performances

Time: 10th day of the Lunar New Year

Introduction: The street performances during the Spring Festival in Lanzhou (兰州) are unique and vibrant. Beginning around the 10th day of the Lunar New Year, local folk groups gather in the city center in intricate formations, performing dances while beating drums and gongs. These lively displays can continue until the Lantern Festival.

April 8th Temple Fair

Time: 8th day of the 4th Lunar month

Introduction: The April 8th Temple Fair in Dunhuang (敦煌) is a traditional festival commemorating the Nirvana of Sakyamuni (Siddhartha Gautama). Buddhist followers, along with families, gather at the Mogao Caves (莫高窟), Sanwei Mountain (三危山), and Leiyin Temple (雷音寺) to pray, burn incense, and seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness. The event is a significant pilgrimage and community gathering.

Langmusi Buddha Festival

Time: 3rd to 16th day of the Lunar New Year Location: Langmusi Town, Luqu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘南藏族自治州)

Introduction: The Buddha Festival in Langmusi is one of the grandest Tibetan Buddhist events. It starts on the 3rd evening of the Lunar New Year and lasts until the 16th. Highlights include scripture chanting, the release of life, Buddha exhibitions, dances, butter sculpture displays, and incense burning. The largest event is the Buddha Exhibition on the 13th, which involves both monks and laypeople.

Xiahe Labrang Monastery Grand Ceremony

Time: 4th to 17th day of the Lunar New Year, and 29th day of the 6th Lunar month to 15th of the 7th Location: Labrang Monastery (拉卜楞寺), Xiahe County

Introduction: Labrang Monastery, one of the six major Gelug schools of Tibetan Buddhism, hosts multiple grand ceremonies throughout the year, including scripture recitations, prayer dances, and Tibetan debates. The festival is also famous for its vibrant religious performances and examinations.

Zhuanglang Cultural and Arts Festival

Time: 12th day of the Lunar New Year Location: Zhuanglang County, Pingliang City (平凉市庄浪县)

Introduction: Held every year on the 12th day of the Lunar New Year, this festival commemorates General Liu Hu, a famous figure from the Northern Song Dynasty who defended Zhuanglang from foreign invasions. The festival includes traditional folk performances and rituals, with a focus on the "Gaotai" art form, which gained recognition in 2004 as part of the city's cultural heritage preservation efforts.

Buddha Bathing Festival

Time: 8th day of the 4th Lunar month Location: Dunhuang City (敦煌市)

Introduction: The Buddha Bathing Festival is held in Dunhuang at the Mogao Caves (莫高窟) to mark the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. People gather for religious rites, and there are also stalls for food, handicrafts, and local performances.

Songming Rock Flower Festival

Time: 26th day of the 4th Lunar month Location: Songming Rock, Hezheng County (和政县), Linxia

Introduction: The Songming Rock Flower Festival, also known as the "April 8th Flower Festival," is one of the three major flower festivals in Gansu. Held at Songming Rock National Forest Park, this festival features local flower singing performances known as "Flower Song" (花儿), as well as traditional Tibetan religious celebrations. The event has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Fuxi Cultural Festival

Time: 13th day of the 5th Lunar month Location: Tianshui City (天水市)

Introduction: The Fuxi Cultural Festival is a major traditional Han Chinese folk event in Tianshui, celebrating Fuxi, the ancient Chinese cultural ancestor. The festival includes sacrificial ceremonies and cultural performances that highlight Tianshui's historical and cultural significance.

Langshan Festival

Time: 9th day of the 6th Tibetan lunar month Location: Langmusi Town

Introduction: The Langshan Festival, also known as the "Xianglang Festival" (香琅节), celebrates the Tibetan tradition of gathering firewood in the mountains. People from the Gannan Tibetan area engage in picnics, singing, and dancing while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

Huanxian Daoqing Shadow Play Art Festival

Time: 7th Lunar month Location: Huanxian County (环县)

Introduction: Huanxian is home to the ancient Daoqing Shadow Play, a form of traditional Chinese puppetry. The festival celebrates this art form with shadow play performances, cultural exhibitions, and discussions. It also includes singing competitions, performances of the "Long Opera" (陇剧), and other regional cultural activities.

Lanzhou New Year's Concert

Time: Every New Year’s Day Location: Jin Cheng Grand Theater (金城大剧院)

Introduction: The Lanzhou New Year's Concert, held annually since 1998, has become a key cultural event for the city. It is one of the earliest cities in China to host a New Year's music concert. The concert blends cultural performance with government receptions.

Peach Blossom Festival

Time: Every April Location: Anning District, Lanzhou City

Introduction: The Peach Blossom Festival in Anning, a renowned peach-growing region, is a local tradition that attracts many visitors each spring. Visitors come to enjoy the stunning peach blossoms, and the festival includes cultural activities such as poetry, painting, and local music performances.

Dunhuang Summer Arts Performance

Time: June to October every year Location: Dunhuang Hotel (敦煌宾馆)

Introduction: The "Dunhuang Summer" Arts Performance is a large-scale song-and-dance event celebrating the diverse cultures along the ancient Silk Road. The performances draw inspiration from the murals of the Mogao Caves and showcase the dances, music, and clothing of the ethnic groups of northwest China.

Sand Sliding Festival

Time: June every year Location: Dunhuang City (敦煌市)

Introduction: Dunhuang hosts an annual Sand Sliding Festival on June 1st, where participants slide down the sand dunes. The sounds of sliding echo across the desert, creating a unique and thrilling experience.

Shangri-La Tourism Arts Festival

Time: Every July Location: Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘南藏族自治州)

Introduction: This festival is a grand celebration of Tibetan culture, featuring performances such as a large-scale equestrian display, folk dances, and traditional Tibetan music. The event also includes sports competitions and cultural exchanges, emphasizing the rich Tibetan heritage.

Lanzhou Waterwheel Festival

Time: Every July Location: Waterwheel Museum (水车博览园)

Introduction: The Lanzhou Waterwheel Festival is celebrated every July at the Waterwheel Museum. The festival showcases large waterwheels in motion, accompanied by traditional music and performances. The nearby Yellow River adds to the scenic beauty, making it a visual and cultural delight.

Jiayuguan International Paragliding Festival

Time: Every July Location: Jiayuguan Paragliding Base (嘉峪关滑翔基地)

Introduction: Jiayuguan hosts an international paragliding festival featuring thrilling aerial displays, including jet fighter formations and light aircraft flights. It is one of the most exciting events in Gansu for aviation enthusiasts.

Zhangye Matisi Tourism Festival

Time: Every August Location: Matisi Scenic Area, Zhangye City (张掖肃南县马蹄寺)

Introduction: The Zhangye Matisi Tourism Festival is a popular event that includes equestrian performances, music and dance, and sports competitions, all set against the stunning landscape of the Matisi Temple.

Lanzhou Silk Road Festival

Time: Every September Location: Lanzhou City

Introduction: The Lanzhou Silk Road Festival, held annually since 1992, celebrates the rich history and culture of the ancient Silk Road. The festival includes cultural exhibitions, trade shows, and performances that reflect the diverse heritage of the region.

Dunhuang Grape Festival

Time: Every September Location: Dunhuang City (敦煌市)

Introduction: The Dunhuang Grape Festival celebrates the city's famous grape harvest. The festival includes grape-related activities such as camel racing, wood carving competitions, and a grand parade showcasing local produce and handicrafts.