From January 1st to 3rd, 2026, Yunnan Nationalities Village will officially launch a series of New Year's Day and Wa ethnic ethnic "La Mugu" ("Pulling the Wooden Log to be Drum") activities themed "Joyful Wooden Drum Festival, Gathering at the Nationalities Village." As the supreme "sky-connecting divine artifact" in Wa ethnic culture, the wooden drum carries the sacred meaning of village guardianship and sustaining ethnic prosperity. This New Year, visitors from all directions will immerse themselves in ethnic customs and festive enthusiasm amidst the ancient and majestic sound of wooden drums, heading for a double carnival of New Year's Eve and the New Year's Day holiday.

Sacred Rituals for Immersive Experience: Touch Thousands of Years of Wa ethnic Culture

During the festival, Wa ethnic "Moba" (priests) will lead a procession departing from the East Gate. The ancient "La Mugu" melodies will linger in your ears as young men and women in elaborate traditional costumes beat the wooden drums, swing their long hair, and dance joyfully. Along the Way, visitors will be invited to join in welcoming the drums into the village, sharing in a deeply ritualistic folk grand ceremony through the exchange of gift baskets and joyful communal singing. Within the Wa ethnic village, the precious "Great Bull's Head," symbolizing wealth and status, is available for touching and blessing prayers. The "Thread Tying" ceremony, presided over by the "Moba," will bestow wishes for a smooth and peaceful in the coming year. The unique "Hair Combing Whispers of Love" folk custom will allow visitors to deeply appreciate the Wa ethnic people's subtle yet sincere expression of emotions and life wisdom.

Day and Night Carnival: Multi-Dimensional Experiences Covering Dining, Recreation & Sightseeing

The village teems with excitement during the day, with live intangible cultural heritage and folk performances from Yunnan's 25 ethnic minority groups take the stage in rotation. Hundreds of NPCs will interact with visitors, engaging in singing duets and photo challenges. Successful challenges earn "Shell Coins" for redeeming surprise gifts.

As night falls, the park transforms into a national cultural light and shadow wonderland. 3D light projections and live-action performances weave a fantastical night scape. The "Yun·Cai Market" and the "Waterside Food Street" gather authentic Yunnan flavors, promising an enjoyable winter evening with delicious food and folk music. The large-scale ethnic song and dance show "Yun·Shuo Yunnan" (Yunnan·Speaks Yunnan), meticulously crafted by Yunnan Nationalities Village, is a must-see. Within 50 minutes, it connects the grandeur of Meili Snow Mountain with the elegance of the Dai rainforest region, painting an immersive picture of the cultural tapestry of Yunnan's various ethnic groups.

Starlit New Year's Eve: A Double Embrace of National Style and Ethnic Charm

On the evening of December 31st, the "Ethnic Charm·National Style Tide" cross-border carnival night will ignite at the Unity Square. Warm-up activities begin at 19:00, followed by a formal opening with drum performances at 21:00. A dynamic fusion of national style dances, trending DJs, spectacular acrobatics, bonfire parties, and ethnic costume shows will unfold. Star guests like Wei Xun and Da She Tou, along with ethnic bands, will deliver passionate performances. Amidst the collision of tradition and modern flair, everyone will count down together, bidding farewell to the past and joyfully welcoming the New Year, creating a truly unique New Year's Eve memory.

During this event period, visitors can also enjoy a special benefit of 6 hours of free parking during the Black-headed Gull Watching Season. From the starry brilliance of New Year's Eve to the folk feast of the New Year's Day holiday, Yunnan Nationalities Village invites you to gather with people of all ethnic groups, fostering emotions in celebration and witnessing the ever-blooming flower of ethnic unity through exchange. Traveling in Yunnan, begins at Yunnan Nationalities Village.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Jennifer, Evan)