Traditional events enjoy a festival of celebration

Kunming hosts a brilliant showcase of culture for a global audience

At the edge of Dianchi Lake in Yunnan province, more than 700 athletes from around the world gathered last Thursday to kick off the second Traditional Sports International Festival.

Set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and clear waters, the event featured dragon and lion dances, Peking opera, martial arts, and traditional Yunnan ethnic performances. Athletes didn't just watch — they joined in, dancing alongside performers in a spirited celebration of Chinese culture.

The festival, which concluded on Monday in Kunming's ethnic square, offered a vivid showcase of traditions, including the music and dance of the Miao, Yi, Wa, and Lisu peoples. The closing ceremony ended with a bonfire party, capping off a week that brought together sports and cultural heritage for a global audience.