A feast of immortal proportions

Gannangxiang Lusheng Festival draws crowds with glittering display of Miao culture and tradition

To the sound of the lusheng, a traditional bamboo pipe, people dressed in traditional attire rejoiced during the annual Gannangxiang Lusheng Festival in Zhouxi town of Kaili, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Guizhou province. Gannangxiang is a phonetic transliteration from the Miao language, meaning "the lower reaches of the river, where immortals gather".

For over 400 years, it has been a grand celebration for the people of Kaili, and was placed on the list of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Guizhou in 2007.

Lasting from Feb 12 to Monday this year, the festival attracted visitors from across the country, drawn by its beautiful lusheng playing, songs and dances.