During this year's Sanyuesan Festival, Yizhou district, the birthplace of the legendary figure Liu Sanjie, has been bustling with activities. Various events, including mountain song gatherings and performances of the folk opera "Liu Sanjie," have captivated audiences.

During the holiday period, Yizhou welcomed a total of 181,700 visitors, marking a 105.08 percent increase compared to the previous year. The total tourism expenditure reached 122 million yuan ($17 million), reflecting a substantial 141.58 percent year-on-year growth.

On April 11, the district hosted a large-scale competition featuring the artful arrangement of "five-colored glutinous rice" at the Huixian Mountain Scenic Area. Participants arranged glutinous rice of black, red, yellow, purple, and white colors to form various patterns.

A number of artistic creations were showcased, each with a distinct focus. Some of these works were dedicated to the depiction of picturesque landscapes, while others aimed to showcase the rich cultural revolved of the Zhuang ethnic group. Additionally, a significant portion of the artworks revolved around the central theme of ethnic unity and progress.

From April 12 to 13, the Liu Sanjie Mountain Song Contest kicked off at the Hechi Garden Expo Park, where numerous enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the Sanyuesan Festival with resounding songs. Participants engaged in competitive duet performances through a draw, presenting over 60 mountain songs on stage.

In Yizhou's kindergartens, it was common to see scenes of joyous celebrations where young children sang mountain songs and recited traditional nursery rhymes of Yizhou. A wide range of activities, such as literary performances, egg tapping, bamboo pole dancing, embroidery ball tossing, stilt walking, dragon dancing, and traditional feasts, were available for the children to enjoy.

Teachers and children alike adorned themselves in ethnic costumes, immersing themselves in the traditional customs and festive joy brought about by the Guangxi Sanyuesan Festival.

Yizhou hosts a large-scale competition featuring the artful arrangement of "five-colored glutinous rice". [Photo by Wei Xiangsuan/Hechi Daily]

Children try the folk activity "walking on the fire dragon". [Photo by He Haiting/Hechi Daily]