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Raosanling, a cultural gem of the Bai people in Yunnan

CGTN

A file photo shows a Bai ethnic woman dressed in traditional costume taking part in the Raosanling festival in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP
A file photo shows a Bai ethnic woman dressed in traditional costume taking part in the Raosanling festival in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

A file photo shows a Bai ethnic woman dressed in traditional costume taking part in the Raosanling festival in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

Whether it is called "a ritualized cultural space of the Bai people in Dali," a flourishing regional festival in Yunnan Province, or an ethnic carnival, a lively temple fair, or a joyful gathering, Raosanling, a folk custom that harks back more than 1,000 years, remains one of the most important and eagerly anticipated events on the Bai people's calendar in Yunnan Province.

A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP
A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

This important event for the Bai community takes place in the fourth month of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar and lasts for three days. During this time, the Bai people, clad in traditional folk costumes and in high spirits, participate in pilgrimages to three local temples, singing and dancing along the way, creating a magnificent and spectacular sight not to be missed. The local people believe that their devout worship will bring good weather to nurture their crops and ensure a bountiful autumn harvest.

A file photo shows a woman from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costume taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP
A file photo shows a woman from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costume taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

A file photo shows a woman from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costume taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

Surrounded by folk conventions and regional rituals, this vibrant spring festival also marks a distinct occasion for love and romance. The event's name is said to mean "strolling through mountains and forests," and is particularly aimed at lovers, earning it the nickname of the Bai people's "Valentine's Day."

A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP
A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

Raosanling was added to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2006.

A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP
A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

A file photo shows people from the Bai ethnic group dressed in traditional folk costumes taking part in Raosanling celebrations in Kunming, Yunnan Province. /CFP

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