Yanbian Ethnic Torch Festival! Free Entry Guide for the Ten-Thousand-People Bonfire Celebration is Here

Yanbian, a hidden treasure town in Sichuan, is bursting with joy in July~ Not only does it have numerous must-visit spots, but it also hosts a free-to-enjoy Torch Festival!
From July 11 to 16, the Yanbian Ethnic Torch Festival offers free admission🆓. The main venue’s ten-thousand-people bonfire party is a must-visit. Here’s a comprehensive guide for you to save~⬇️
-
🔥 Three Major Torch Festival Venues
1️⃣ Hongguo Yi Ethnic Township Sub-venue: From July 11 to 13, basketball games run from preliminaries to finals, plus wrestling + crossbow shooting + cockfighting and sheep fighting. Don’t miss the cultural performances and bonfire party on the evening of the 12th.
-
2️⃣ Wenquan Yi Ethnic Township Sub-venue: On July 13 and 14, watch basketball and tug-of-war competitions. The bonfire party and ignition ceremony on the evening of the 14th are spectacular, with a lively Zuo Mountain Guozhuang dance atmosphere!
⚠️ Must-experience: Soak in the wild hot springs while stargazing, and enjoy Yanbian lamb rice noodles at the town’s food street.
-
3️⃣ Gesala Yi Ethnic Township Main Venue (Key‼️)
⏰ July 16, Peak Day, starting from 13:30
Thousands enjoy the Duoluohe folk performance, Gesala matchmaking event, ethnic traditional competitions, mass Zuo Mountain Guozhuang dance, Bimo blessing ceremony, and more exciting activities one after another~
🏃🏻🏃🏻 The ten-thousand-people bonfire feast is a must! Hundreds light the fire + thousands pass the fire + ten thousand gather around the bonfire—an incredibly spectacular scene👏🏻👏🏻
🏙 The following drone show is also amazing. After the show, you can camp directly under the starry sky~⛺
-
🌿 Recommended Nearby Attractions
✔ Gesala Ecotourism Area ✔ Ertan National Forest Park
✔ Sun Lake Park ✔ Guosheng Tea Village
-
🍜 Must-Try Foods
✔️ Yanbian’s soul trio: Yanbian lamb rice noodles + Yanbian oil-fried pork + Yanbian barbecue
✔️ Also delicious are Yanbian Hunjiang tofu pudding and Yanbian pickled fish
-
🚗 5 Days 4 Nights Highlight Itinerary
D1: Hongguo Yi Ethnic Township (basketball + wrestling) → Long Street Banquet → Stay at Hongguo homestay
D2: Hongguo market shopping → Ertan Reservoir self-drive → Stay in Yumen Town
D3: Wenquan Yi Ethnic Township (tug-of-war) → Wild hot springs → Bonfire party → Stay at Wenquan homestay
D4: Tour Gesala Ecotourism Area
D5: Gesala Yi Ethnic Township (fruit picking + folk performances) → Evening bonfire party + drone show → Starry sky camping
-
📍 Practical Tips
⚠️ Transportation: Self-driving is recommended! The S470 ring lake road offers stunning scenery (drive safely during the rainy season)
⚠️ Dress code: Wear bright clothes! At the bonfire party, ethnic minority friends will pull you to the center to dance, perfect for photos
⚠️ Weather: Check the weather in advance, and prepare for rain and sun protection
-
With this guide, you can fully immerse yourself in the Torch Festival and explore Yanbian’s beautiful landscapes. Just go for it~