Guizhou's Miao New Year Festival showcases intangible cultural heritage

Miao people wear traditional attire to celebrate the Miao New Year. [Photo/Leishan Media Center]

The 2026 Guizhou Leishan Miao New Year Intangible Cultural Heritage Showcase opened on Nov 12, bringing the traditions and hospitality of the Miao people into the spotlight.

The opening ceremony began with the 12 rounds of lanmenjiu, a traditional Miao welcoming ceremony in which guests are greeted with cups of rice wine at the entrance. A series of performances followed, including traditional Miao folk songs, a showcase of exquisite Miao ethnic costumes, and multipart folk singing.

This year's event saw the debut of a grand Gaoshan Liushui wine-toast ceremony. With thousands of participants, the event showcased the Miao people's warmth and hospitality. The ceremony concluded with performances of Song of Invitation to Stay and Come to Leishan, prompting the audience to rise and sing along in a heartfelt finale.

The Miao New Year is the most important traditional festival of the Miao people and is recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage. This year's celebrations will run through Dec 2, with more activities to come, including an original music competition and Miao embroidery contests. Starting Nov 13, towns and villages across Leishan county will celebrate the festival, filling communities with festivities and the sounds of Miao songs.