On August 17, Zhuangshang Village, Geliping Town, Xi District, Panzhihua City—located on the banks of the Jinsha River at the border of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces—hosted the celebration of the Yi People's Torch Festival. More than a thousand people of various ethnic groups gathered at the Folk Culture Square, dancing ethnic dances and singing songs of unity under the blazing torchlight, showcasing the unique charm of "Flower Sea Zhuangshang, Cultural Water Yi" through a feast of intangible cultural heritage.

At the beginning of the event, a huge crowd had already gathered at Zhuangshang Village Square. Aromatic Yi snacks, mellow oil tea and more allowed visitors to feast their taste buds. The fun garden activities attracted even more people to participate—games like ping-pong ball throwing, knocking dangdang, and bottle ring-tossing tested skills, while the tug-of-war ignited passion for teamwork. Cheers and laughter echoed continuously at the scene, with a lively atmosphere prevailing.

The unique Yi-style cultural performances pushed the festive atmosphere to a climax. During intervals of the performances, Zhuangshang Village also awarded scholarships to outstanding students who were admitted to universities this year, encouraging them to study hard and give back to their hometown.

As night fell, the bonfire was lit. The flames contrasted with the starlight and moonlight, and the bonfire party kicked off. In the firelight, the silver ornaments on the costumes of Yi embroideresses tinkled. Villagers and tourists gathered together, singing and dancing around the blazing flames. Everyone clapped, cheered and danced to the rhythm of the music, with laughter echoing continuously. The scene of multi-ethnic integration vividly interpreted the consciousness of the Chinese nation as a community.

Wang Yong'an, Secretary of the General Party Branch of Zhuangshang Village, stated that the Torch Festival is not only a vivid inheritance of Yi culture, but also an important carrier for promoting rural revitalization. "In the future, Zhuangshang Village will continue to deepen the development model of 'ethnic unity + rural tourism', allowing the torches of the Yi village on the banks of the Jinsha River to illuminate the path to common prosperity." (Text/Photos by Li Xingyu)