Yunnan Ethnic Culture: Hani people celebrate New Year with grand banquet

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02:22

In southwestern China, the Hani people - one of the country's 55 ethnic minorities - are celebrating their New Year. A huge banquet was held over the weekend to mark their harvest and entertain guests from across the country. CGTN's Yang Jinghao reports from Yunnan Province.

Hundreds of tables full of various delicacies laid end to end. People of the Hani ethnic minority in southwest China's Honghe County celebrate their New Year with a grand feast outdoors.

YANG JINGHAO HONGHE COUNTY, YUNNAN "Called the Long Street Banquet, or Long Table Banquet, this event is held annually by the Hani people to celebrate their harvest and pray for a prosperous year ahead."

On this special occasion, what really matters is food. For locals, it's also an opportunity to exhibit their culinary skills, and each family prepares the best they can offer.

ZHANG HUI LOCAL RESIDENT "It's the most important day for us Hani people. We cook our most traditional dishes, and the food such as sticky rice, fish and duck are all cultivated and raised by ourselves."

With the support of local government, today, the time-honored tradition has evolved into a festival for people from across the country, who are attracted by the distinctive Hani culture, including their costumes and diversified art forms.

YANG SHUNDONG TOURIST "Sixteen of us came here together for the Long Street Banquet. We all enjoy the lively atmosphere and are happy to share the local Hani people's joy from harvest."

LI CUIJIN TOURIST "The locals are very hospitable and the food is great. I expect to come back again."

Like many other remote areas, Jiayin Township where the event took place, still faces big challenges in its economic development. Local officials hope this can serve as a stimulus to improve the villagers' livelihoods.

ZHANG CHUNLIN HEAD OF JIAYIN TOWNSHIP "We're now trying to help locals increase their income by promoting tourism. Maybe we cannot make them wealthy just through this activity, but I believe our efforts will pay off."

Today, preserving and passing on their unique culture is a common concern for almost all ethnic minorities. Many locals say the banquet is a good attempt, yet in the long run, more efforts are still needed. YANG JINGHAO, CGTN, Honghe, Yunnan Province.