In April 2026, many parts of Yunnan Province are welcoming the peak of the Water‑Splashing Festival celebrations. As the traditional New Year festival for several ethnic groups including the Dai, De’ang, Achang, Blang, and Wa peoples, the Water‑Splashing Festival is a national intangible cultural heritage. It is usually held in mid‑April of the Gregorian calendar, with mutual water‑splashing as the core custom to pray for blessings.
During this year’s festival, grand celebrations are being held across Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Pu’er City, and other areas. Traditional rituals such as ganbai gatherings, dragon boat racing, setting off gaosheng rockets, performing elephant‑foot drum dances and peacock dances are being retained, while modern cultural tourism experiences are being integrated. Using water as a medium, the festival is conveying the sincere wish to wash away the misfortunes of the old year and pray for good fortune in the new year.
