Yunnan has the greatest number of ethnic groups in China, with officially 25 ethnic minorities including Bai, Yi, Dai, Naxi, Hani, Miao, Tibetan, Hui, and Yao. Yunnan offers unique and exciting experiences of ethnic customs, with more than 400 ethnic festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Many ethnic minorities maintain their unique folk traditions and customs that are full of myths, singing, dances, paintings, and ancient music. Among them, the “Gatangpa” Festival plays a vital role in the celebration of new year for Hani people in Yunnan.

“Gatangpa” Festival is the major festival of the Hani ethnic people in Xishuangbanna. “Gatangpa” is Hani ethnic language, and most people consider its literal meaning as “everything looks fresh and gay” or “everything comes back to life”, that refers to the beginning of a new year. 

In the first week of every year, all the Hani people celebrates the upcoming new year together with a diverse repertoire such as traditional bamboo-tube dance, bamboo pole dance and among many others that may fully demonstrate their ethnic cultures, as well as various races and field activities such as swinging, beating spinning top, crossbow shooting and antiphonal singing.

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/citm/2009-11/17/content_8984784.htm