Shoulder pole-themed cultural festival celebrated in Hechi

A festival featuring shoulder pole culture kicked off in Xialuo village in Hechi, Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on April 14, to celebrate the intangible heritage of the Zhuang people.

Folk songs and ethnic dances are performed during the opening ceremony. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Many eye-catching activities, such as worship ceremonies, shoulder-pole sports, folk singing, bull fighting, bamboo rafting and specialty cooking, attracted crowds of tourists during the two-day festival.

Two players shouldering heavy poles race against each other. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Shoulder poles are valued as a symbol for bumper harvests by local villagers as they were an important farm tool used to carry grain and fertilizers in the past.

Today, Xialuo village's custom of worshiping shoulder poles has evolved into a yearly event featuring rural culture and ethnic tradition.

A special arm wrestling match is held. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Inheriting the legacy of shoulder pole culture, Xialuo village takes advantage of its tourism industry to welcome visitors with a relaxing yet fulfilling rural experience.

With a healthy blend of folk customs, agricultural resources, culture and tourist resorts, the festival will continue to boost the local economy and push forward regional development.

Participants use shoulder poles as oars in a rowing competition. [Photo/hcwang.cn]