When a mountain town turns into a giant water park | Water-splashing festival in Guangdong

Welcome to Lianshan, a mountain town in northern Guangdong, China, where every summer the streets transform into a giant water park for the Qiyuexiang Water-Splashing Festival!

On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the Zhuang people—one of China's largest ethnic minorities—celebrate this vibrant tradition. Legend says the "Seven Fairies" once bathed in the river on this day, blessing its waters with the power to wash away bad luck and bring health, happiness, and long life.

In this vlog, I join locals and travelers as we splash, soak, and laugh our way through the festival. Streets are closed to traffic, kids run wild with water guns, and adults dive into the river armed with buckets. Nowhere is safe—sneak attacks are everywhere! But it's not just about the fun: food stalls serve Zhuang and Yao delicacies, music and dance fill the air, and the whole town feels alive with joy.

At its heart, Qiyuexiang is about more than water; it's about a passion for life, community spirit, and creating happiness together. Join me for a day of pure joy, cultural discovery, and unforgettable summer fun in Lianshan!



Reporter/Video/Poster: Li Fangwang

Editor: Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He