2025 Spring Festival: Hainan's ethnic minorities prepare for Chinese New Year
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The Li and Miao ethnic groups are also gearing up for the Chinese New Year with a series of traditional activities and cultural events. The ethnic groups predominantly reside in southern China's Hainan Province. Shao Peng has the story. 

"My fellow villagers – let's celebrate the Spring Festival together!"

Zahan Village is located in a highland basin more than 800 meters above sea level in Hainan, where the people from the Li and Miao ethnic groups live together. The bamboo pole dance is an ancient form of dance which is a part of the Li heritage and is traditionally performed during the hunting and harvest celebrations. By rhythmically striking bamboo poles, people imitate various natural sounds and labor scenes, wishing for a better life in the coming year. 

The long table feast is the highest form of banquet and ceremonial etiquette among the Li and Miao people, with a history spanning thousands of years. Tables are lined up in a long row, covered with green banana leaves, and filled with authentic Li-flavored dishes. To welcome the Spring Festival, each household showcases their culinary skills by preparing their specialty dishes for the feast. 

Three-color rice is an essential dish in the long table feast. The ingredients come from trident maple leaves, yellow ginger, and red and blue vine leaves. After washing, these are crushed in a wooden mortar to extract their juices. The juice is then mixed with rice, allowing the grains to absorb the color, and then steamed. The resulting three-color rice is a symbol of praying for health and unity in the New Year. 

"Happy Spring Festival!"

After the banquet, the villagers light a bonfire and enjoy the joyful time together. 

Shao Peng, Sansha Satellite TV in Hainan for CGTN.