The diversity and vibrance of China's ethnic groups is often visible in their music and dances. During the country's National Day holiday, the people of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, marked the occasion with a vibrant display of their cultural heritage. The festivities included performances of the Grand Song of the Dong ethnic group, Dong pipa ballads, the traditional Duoye dance and lively lusheng (reed-pipe wind instrument) competitions.
The Duoye dance is a large group performance where participants hold hands, forming a circle to sing and dance in unison. Led by a soloist, the group follows the rhythm with coordinated movements, creating a mesmerizing communal experience.
The Dong ethnic group's Grand Song, with a history spanning over 2,500 years, is a unique polyphonic vocal art. Sung without conductors or instruments, the songs imitate the sounds of nature, such as birds, insects, flowing streams and echoes from mountain valleys, earning it the title of "heavenly voice." In 2009, this ancient tradition was recognized by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.