Guiyang ethnic folk song and dance competition dazzles on Lantern Festival

The Guizhou 2026 Cool Guiyang "Huaxi Cup" Ethnic Folk Song and Dance Competition successfully concluded on March 3, coinciding perfectly with the Lantern Festival.

The event showcased four main categories – Dixi Opera, festive lanterns, vocal music, and dance – offering a spectacular cultural feast for the Lantern Festival in the Year of the Horse.

A folk dance troupe performs at the competition. [Photo/Guiyang Daily]

In the Dixi Opera category, competitors donned traditional costumes and performed heroic tales, allowing the audience to experience the unique charm of this intangible cultural heritage (ICH) item up close and highlighting the deep roots and enduring spirit of traditional culture.

The festive lantern competition was a lively, joy-filled spectacle. Participating troupes, dressed in brightly colored costumes and carrying traditional lantern props, sang authentic folk tunes and performed cheerful folk dances. 

The vocal music segment featured powerful, melodious singing. Competitors used clear, rich voices to praise the spirit of the era, perform folk tunes, and express youthful melodies, showcasing the uplifting character of the local people.

The dance competition was a visually stunning display of graceful movement. A variety of styles – including ethnic, modern, and folk dances – shared the stage, offering the audience both a feast for the eyes and a deeply moving experience.

The event not only enriched residents' cultural lives during the festival but also actively promoted the living transmission of ICH items like Dixi Opera. Furthermore, it helped promote Huaxi district's mass culture brand and support the high-quality integration of cultural development and tourism.