Exploring Hainan's vibrant traditional festivals

en.hainan.gov.cn

Updated: 2025-06-23

Hainan is more than just beautiful beaches and coconut trees. It is also a land of vibrant traditions, home to the unique Sanyuesan and Junpo Festivals.

The Li people celebrate Sanyuesan Festival. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Sanyuesan Festival

Celebrated on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, the Sanyuesan Festival is a cornerstone of cultural heritage for the Li and Miao people. This vibrant celebration is often considered a local "Valentine's Day", bustling with scenes of men demonstrating hunting skills and women adorned in exquisite silver jewelry, moving gracefully to traditional music.

The Li people celebrate Sanyuesan Festival. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Local culinary delights like bamboo-tube rice and three-colored sticky rice are a major draw for food lovers.

Since its official designation as a traditional festival of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in 1984, the celebrations have grown significantly more diverse.

The festival schedule now features thrilling traditional sports, such as archery, pole climbing, and buffalo racing, which greatly enhance the festive atmosphere.

Furthermore, the introduction of chess, ball games and field events has solidified the festival's status as a comprehensive cultural showcase of ethnic traditions.

Junpo Festival

The Junpo Festival, also known as Gongqi, is observed at varying times across villages in Hainan. This tradition centers on paying homage to ancestors and historical figures, most notably Lady Xian.

Chinese history honors numerous extraordinary women, from Fu Hao and Hua Mulan to Qin Liangyu and Feng Wanzhen, each having made indelible contributions.

Among them, Lady Xian holds a unique place. Her profound influence and revered legacy led communities to erect temples in her honor, giving rise to elaborate commemorative practices. The festival originated from these ancient celebrations, with the late Premier Zhou Enlai hailing her as a "legendary female pioneer in Chinese history." Celebrated for her selflessness and devotion to the people's welfare, her spirit is vividly reflected in the grand military parade at Shibi Junpo.

Today, the festival skillfully blends these time-honored traditions with fresh ideas, fostering cultural exchange and innovation. It attracts both tourists and scholars, serving as a model for the integration of culture and tourism.

Sources: New Hainan Client, Hainan Folk Literature, Art Association at Wechat Account of ydwhcnhn, Hainan Province Office of Local Chronicles, The United Front Work Department of CPC Sanya Municipal Committee