On May 16, coinciding with the grand opening of serial events for the 2026 "May 19 China Tourism Day" Jiangxi Sub-Venue Shangrao Session, the Sanqingshan Series of She Ethnic Cultural Activities for the Third Day of the Third Lunar Month themed Singing on Immortal Mountains, Conveying Affection Through Splendid Scenery kicked off at Gangshou Cableway Visitor Square. A full lineup of performances unfolded, including ethnic welcoming rituals, local food fairs, song and dance galas, and folk competitive games, presenting tourists and local residents with a grand cultural feast blending the charm of immortal mountains and unique She ethnic customs.
On the day of the event, She people dressed in traditional ethnic costumes greeted visitors from all corners with the She people’s most solemn tea-offering ceremony. The She ethnic group has long upheld the tradition of treating guests with tea, for "no ceremony is complete without tea". The three servings of tea carry symbolic meanings: the first bowl tastes bitter, the second nourishes the body, and the third cleanses the stomach, embodying sincere wishes for guests’ good health and smooth lives. Amid the lingering tea aroma, visitors experienced the unparalleled hospitality of the She people and felt the profound fraternity between the She and Han ethnic groups living in harmony as one big family.
At the "She Township Flavors" food experience zone, artisans freshly prepared classic She snacks such as glutinous rice cakes, wild grass-wrapped sticky rice dumplings, and mugwort rice cakes, drawing crowds of tourists to stop and sample the treats. She glutinous rice cakes are made by steaming glutinous rice then pounding it in a stone mortar, symbolizing good fortune coming and a life growing sweeter year after year. Wild grass-wrapped zongzi are bundled with wild cogongrass leaves, reflecting the resourceful wisdom of ancient She ancestors who made use of local natural materials. Mugwort rice cakes, kneaded from fresh mugwort and glutinous rice flour, boast a soft, chewy texture with a lingering sweet aftertaste, in line with folk customs of wellness and blessing. Tourists not only savored the delicacies but also took part in pounding rice cakes and wrapping dumplings themselves, immersing themselves in the diligent and simple life philosophy of the She people amid the fragrant rice and rhythmic pounding sounds.
To the crisp clacking of bamboo poles, young maidens in elaborate She festival costumes performed lively bamboo pole dances with light, nimble steps and upbeat rhythms. The wok-swaying experience zone nearby was equally bustling. Participants stood inside iron woks, controlling movement and rotation with core strength, making the game both entertaining and competitive. Many tourists mastered the skills under the guidance of local She villagers and managed to move the wok for a distance, winning continuous applause and filling the square with cheerful laughter.
Wrapped in folk ballads and tea fragrance, amid the rhythmic clatter of bamboo poles and iron woks, Sanqingshan hosted a warm, vivid and flavorsome ethnic cultural gala. It built a cultural bridge to bring people of all ethnic groups closer, carried forward ethnic spirits through this grand gathering, and vividly illustrated the profound bond of the Chinese nation united as one family.
