Good to know
Good to Know
- All major festivals follow the Chinese lunar calendar, so Gregorian dates shift year to year; check local tourism websites for exact current-year dates.
- Sanduo Festival and Torch Festival attract the most visitors; book accommodations well in advance during these periods.
- These events are deeply rooted in Naxi spiritual traditions and cultural heritage; visitors are generally welcome but should approach with respect for sacred ceremonies.
- During major festivals like Torch Festival and Chinese New Year, Lijiang Old Town becomes very crowded; arrive early to secure good viewing spots.
- Many events are free to watch, though some specialty temple ceremonies or organized tours may have small fees.
- Lijiang's elevation is 2,400m (7,900 ft); acclimatize if coming from lower altitudes, especially when celebrating during physically active festivals like Torch Festival.
- Summer festivals (Torch Festival in July/August) can be rainy; pack accordingly.
Events
Sanduo Festival (三多节)
- Location
- Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Village, Yulong Snow Mountain
- Lunar Date
- 8th day of 2nd lunar month (typically February/March)
- Ethnic Group
- Naxi
- Significance
- Most important intangible cultural heritage festival of the Naxi people, over 1,200 years old
- Duration Days
- 3
- Visitor Friendly
- Yes
- Gregorian Date 2026
- March 26 - April 12, 2026 (extended celebration)
Key Activities
- Worship ceremony at Sanduo Temple in Baisha Village
- Memorial and sacrifice ritual honoring the guardian deity Apu Sanduo
- Folk dances and songs
- Bonfire gatherings with hand-holding and dancing
- Traditional Naxi long street banquet at Yulong Snow Mountain
Bangbang Festival / Stick Festival (棒棒会)
- Location
- Square Street (Sifang Street), Lijiang Old Town
- Admission
- Free
- Lunar Date
- 15th day of 1st lunar month
- Ethnic Group
- Naxi
- Significance
- Marks the end of Spring Festival and beginning of agricultural production
- Duration Days
- 1
- Visitor Friendly
- Yes
- Gregorian Date 2026
- February or March 2026 (lunar-dependent)
Key Activities
- Trading fair in Square Street (Sifang Street)
- Sale of wooden and bamboo farm tools
- Sale of flowers and seasonal goods
- Viewing of lanterns
- Traditional market activities
Torch Festival (火把节)
- Location
- Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, surrounding villages
- Lunar Date
- 24th day of 6th lunar month
- Ethnic Group
- Yi, Naxi, Bai minorities
- Significance
- Originally believed to use fire to protect crops from insects; now a bustling celebration known as the Oriental Carnival
- Duration Days
- 3
- Visitor Friendly
- Yes
- Gregorian Date Approx
- July/August (typically late July to early August)
Key Activities
- Lighting of hand-crafted torches in front of houses, streets, and squares
- Torch parades through historic old town alleys
- Bonfire gatherings at night with singing and dancing
- Performances and entertainment
- Trading fair activities
- Celebrations at Shuhe Ancient Town
Chinese New Year / Spring Festival (春节)
- Location
- Lijiang Old Town, temples, public squares
- Solar Date
- Lunar New Year (February or early March)
- Ethnic Group
- Naxi and Han
- Significance
- Major celebration blending Naxi and Han traditions with unique local customs
- Duration Days
- Variable (celebrates throughout lunar new year period)
- Visitor Friendly
- Yes
Key Activities
- Temple visits and incense burning
- Worship ceremonies at temples and family shrines
- Lion dances and traditional performances
- Lantern displays and decorations
- Street performances and music
- Family banquets with traditional Naxi dishes
- Bonfire gatherings and dancing
- Lighting of lanterns for wishes
Mule and Horse Trade Fair (九月骡马会)
- Location
- Yongsheng County, Lijiang
- Solar Date
- September
- Ethnic Group
- Naxi and local traders
- Significance
- Traditional festival reflecting Lijiang's historic role in trade routes
- Visitor Friendly
- Yes
- Note
- Located outside main Lijiang city center but within Lijiang municipality
Key Activities
- Traditional trading of mules and horses
- Local goods marketplace
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Lijiang
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.