Ngawa Festivals and Events
Festivals have always been an important part in Aba ethnic culture. As a hot tourism destination, Aba festivals and activities attract thousands of visitors coming to this wonderland. Here we introduce some popular festivals in Aba to you.
International Panda Festival (Every August)
Sichuan is the main habitat of giant pandas, which are the symbol of Sichuan tourism. Every year in August, a grand festival is kicked off in Aba Prefecture. Besides evening performance of Tibetans and Qiang people, there are beer carniva, panda-themed cultural show, Qiang gala, etc.
Hongyuan Yak Culture Festival (Every July)
The three-day Yak Culture Festival originating in Hongyuan County is evolved from the Xianglong Festival and has become the representative cultural festival in Aba. There are a range of activities, including festival opening ceremony, cultural and sports activities, Economic and trade activities and BBS activities, as well as folk singing and dancing, costume show, Tibetan opera, and other festivities. What’s more, there are some traditional ethnic sports such as horse racing, yak racing, Tibetan wrestling, Archery and modern sports like hot air ballooning, cycling, autocross.
Zangbala Festival(Every August 18)
In Tibetan, Zangbala is the the God of Wealth enshrined and worshiped by locals. Zamtang county was named after the Zangbala Mountain, which means the area blessed by the God of Wealth. August 18 is a lucky number in Chinese and on this day, throngs of people standing by the pretty river or on the green grass, pitch a white tent to celebrate the festival, praying for the happiness and prosperity.
Jiarong Tibetans Watch Flowers Festival(Some days from mid June to early September)
From mid June to early September, it is the golden season of watching flowers in Jiangrong area. During this period of time, almost all the villagers call out to the wild lawn with delicate fine dining, pitching a white tent to stay about 10 days.
Yadun Festival(Every June 15)
Yadun festival is a traditional festival in Ruoergai. In Tibetan language, Yadun means celebrating the arrival of summer. It is the best season to visit Ruoergai Prairie in summer with boundless grassland, mountain flowers, cattle and horses. People celebrate it with song and dance, and wine.
Molang Festival(During the new year of Tibetan calendar)
The Molang Festival was originally a large religious event for praying safety and auspiciousness of the next year, while it gradually became a traditional festival because of the extensive participation of the masses, with both ornamental and entertaining value. It is also known as the Monlam, was founded by master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Tibetan Fo the gelug sect.
Huanglong Temple Fair(June 12th-15th of Lunar calendar)
With a long history, the Huanglong Temple Fair attracts not only Tibetans, but also Hui, Han, Qiang people, and ethnic groups from Qinghai and Gansu provinces, who dress up in festival costumes and gather in Huanglong Temple for celebrations.
Zhachong Festival(Every May 15 to May 17 of Tibetan calendar)
Having a long historical standing, the Zhachong Festival is a commercial pottery fair at first, and then developed into to a traditional festival. In Tibetan language, the “Zha” means “the pottery”, and the “Chong” means “the market”. During this period of time, thousands of people will gather here to do business and participate many activities.
