Homeland of the Manan Miao Lusheng Dance

Manan Miao and Yi Ethnic Township lies in the southeast of Yongshan County, covering a land area of 193.4 square kilometres. The altitude ranges from 1,323 metres to 3,020 metres, creating a typical three-dimensional mountain climate. The township is named after its dominant Miao and Yi populations. In 2012, the title "Homeland of the Manan Miao Lusheng Dance" was inscribed on the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Agriculture and animal husbandry form the mainstay of the local economy. The township has 30,885 mu of cultivated land and 80,000 mu of grassland, serving as a national breeding base for improved semi-fine wool sheep. Manan boasts rolling green mountains and enchanting scenery. The sea of clouds, vast grasslands stretching for miles, flocks of cattle and sheep wandering on hills, resonant folk songs across the Miao mountains, traditional dwellings and strong ethnic customs together form a gorgeous landscape.

Endowed with exquisite natural scenery and well-preserved ethnic traditions, Manan hosts colourful celebrations for major festivals including the Miao Huashan Festival and the Yi Torch Festival. The Miao and Yi communities here maintain unique folk traditions, including traditional housing, batik, embroidery, crossbow shooting, horse racing, bullfighting, wrestling, antiphonal singing, traditional costume rituals and linen weaving. Ancient customs such as the Miao lusheng dance, horn wine ceremony, welcome wine and road-blocking toast (also known as the Three Toasts) have retained their original characteristics to this day.

The Miao lusheng dance has a long history. Every year during the Huashan Festival, Miao people from Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan gather on Manan Mountain. The hills are covered with blooming wild flowers, and the melodious tune of lusheng music echoes everywhere.

A local folk ballad goes: We celebrate the Flower Festival, celebrate the Flower Festival,

Guests and friends gather on Manan Mountain.

We offer horn wine to welcome visitors,

To honour every guest and friend.

The lusheng plays gently, songs rise loud and clear,

Friends from all directions come together here.

For years, the Manan Miao Huashan Festival has been praised as "a grand gathering for ethnic unity".