Jiuzhaigou Lantern Festival shines light on quake relief effort
Picturesque Jiuzhaigou county in Sichuan province held its 18th Lantern Festival Gala on March 2, in celebration of the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar.
Staged at the Cultural and Artistic Center Square of the Jiuzhaigou New Area, it was the first gala hosted since a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the county in August last year.
As a result, this year’s celebrations featured elements that dealt with the reconstruction of the area after the disaster including prayers for safety and happiness, celebrating the beautiful natural landscape and praise for the Party and State.
Apart from the gala that took place in the square, there were also artistic performances held in the county towns of Dalu, Chaodi and Zhangzha.
The main gala began in style and tradition with an opening dance routine organized by Jiuzhaigou’s fitness association. The performers were joined by Tibetan villagers from Wujiao who brought with them a herd of wild horses to attend the prayer ceremony — a custom of the ethnic group living in the county.
A dramatic performance entitled No One Should Be Left Behind and a poetry recitation Appreciate Your Help paid tribute to the brave men and women who helped the local area in the direct aftermath of last year’s earthquake.
Time-honored dances, praying ceremonies and demonstrations of intangible cultural heritage were also held, featuring local children dressed as pandas and performances by singers Yongdrung Gyal, Purba Rgyal and Yun Duo.
Yongdrung Gyal sang the classic tune Mysterious Jiuzhaigou, encouraging the audience to take part.
The famous singer, who grew up in the local area, said: “I feel indebted to the mountains and rivers.”
I feel indebted to the mountains and rivers.”
Yongdrung Gyal,
He said he hopes to encourage people with his song to work together to rebuild their hometown.
This year’s Lantern Festival gala was the first to feature audience participation, with singers, dancers and the audience all celebrating the occasion equally together.
As is a feature every year, time was taken to honor and praise some model citizens of Jiuzhaigou.
Tourism to the scenic tourist spot, known for its mountainous vistas, cascading waterfalls and clear ponds and pools, has taken a hit since the earthquake but locals remain steadfast in their resolve to return to prosperity.
About seven months on, Luweihai, a popular lake in the tourism zone, has regained its original deep blue hue and the reeds lining its edge have all returned to growth.
Another lake, Shuzhengqunhai, has also returned to its original state — its water is clear enough to see all the way to the lake’s floor.
Although some places in the scenic area were damaged by the earthquake, other interesting rock formations were created.
For example, the Shuanglong Waterfall (or two dragon waterfall), was created after Huohaihua Lake was destroyed — its water now flows into Shuanglonghai Lake, overflowing its bank and forming the new waterfall.
A new sightseeing platform is to be constructed near the waterfall.