The Torch Festival
During the Torch Festival (火把节), Liangshan come alive with blazing fire, music, and celebration — the most spectacular event of the Nuosu people. Villages and towns are becoming glowing seas of flame as locals parade through the streets carrying giant torches, lighting bonfires, and dancing under the stars. For three days, you’ll witness traditional Nuosu wrestling, bullfighting, horse racing, and beauty contests.
Fire Show
Ethnic minorities in the south-west choose the summer season and before the autumn harvest to light fires at night and pray for the safety of their families, the prosperity of their livestock, the repelling of pests and insects, and the abundance of grains through songs and dances. As part of the fire ritual, the fire show is entertaining and is usually conducted by the real Nosu priest, where you will see performances such as swallowing fire and stepping on fire with bare feet.
Beauty Contest
Witness the vibrant heart of Nuosu culture at the Liangshan Beauty Contest, a highlight of the ancient Torch Festival. More than just a pageant, this event showcases young women in exquisite hand-embroidered Yi attire, silver jewelry, and symbolic yellow umbrellas, celebrating both beauty and cultural pride.
Horse Racing
Feel the ground shake as decorated Nuosu riders thunder across the mountain fields in a thrilling display of speed, skill, and heritage. Nuosu horse racing is more than a sport — it’s a centuries-old celebration of bravery, horsemanship, and connection to the land. Held during the Torch Festival in Liangshan, this exhilarating event draws crowds from surrounding villages and offers European visitors a breathtaking cultural experience far from the usual tourist path.
Sheep Fighting
Witness one of the most unique and symbolic events of the Nuosu Torch Festival — traditional sheep fighting. Unlike modern sports, this ritualized contest reflects ancient beliefs about animal spirit, endurance, and community pride. Carefully raised and revered, the rams engage in controlled, non-lethal matches, cheered on by local families.
