Editor's Note: This article is produced in collaboration with the Chongqing Institute of Foreign Studies as part of a series of ongoing reports exploring the city’s abundant resources in intangible cultural heritage.

The Caihuashan Festival carries not only historical memories but also the very essence of the Miao people's wisdom.

Steeped in ancient ritualistic allure and passed down through the ages, the Caihuashan Festival carries not only historical memories but also the very essence of the Miao people’s wisdom.

The festival originated as the "Pole-Jumping" ritual to commemorate Chiyou. As time went by, it evolved into a traditional festival featuring a rich array of activities, including sacrificial rites and singing and dancing contests.

Held on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month every year at the flower grounds of Miao villages, the festival draws crowds from nearby hamlets, all attired in festive costumes and exquisite silver ornaments. Locals honor Chiyou, engage in antiphonal songs and love duets, and dance to celebrate. The festival serves as a bond to ease the weariness of farm labor, share the joy of bumper harvests, and find romantic love.

Hosted by village chiefs, the Caihuashan Festival consists of three core segments: the Opening Flower Ceremony, the Worship of Chiyou, and the Closing Flower Ceremony.

At 9 a.m., the village chief announces the commencement of the opening ceremony under the flower tree, leading heads from neighboring villages in a blessing ritual for the flower tree. After the blessing rite concludes, the grand worship ceremony for Chiyou commences. Respected elders recite sacrificial texts, and Miao people offer three sacrificial animals, burn incense and kowtow to Chiyou. Once the worship finishes, the village chief offers welcome wine to the guests and announces the start of the closing segment. Attendees gather around long banquet tables, feasting on traditional delicacies while watching singing and dancing contests.

Du Jichen, Head of the Pengshui County Cultural Center, stated that Pengshui has intensified the exploration and inheritance of ethnic culture in recent years. Miao song and dance performances choreographed locally have repeatedly won the national Qunxing Award (Mass Culture and Arts Award), bringing Miao culture to audiences across China and around the world.

The Caihuashan Festival radiates the timeless wisdom of an ancient ethnic group, embodying the splendid history of Miao generations thriving through the ages. Simple, kind and warm-hearted, the Miao people find beauty in their songs and charms in their dances.

The singing never ceases, nor does the endless hope for a glorious future, nor the infinite blessings yet to unfold. The Caihuashan Festival will endure, just as the Miao people’s journey of striving will never cease.

Chinese script: Mei Xinglin

Tutored by: Tong Yaxing

Translation: Luo Yimeng

Tutored by: Zhang Yidan, Lu Siying

Voice-over: Yang Yu