Friday, November 21, 2025

China Updates Entry and Transit Policies for International Visitors

China has announced new entry and transit measures for international travellers, including expanded visa-free transit, more direct-transfer airports, online arrival filing, and upgraded clearance systems …

Hainan’s New Tourism Regulations: What You Need to Know

The Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) is about to see a major shift in how tourism is regulated. On December 1, 2025, a comprehensive new law, the Hainan Free Trade Port Tourism Regulations, will take effect, replacing the current provincial tourism ordinance ...

How to Book Overnight Train Tickets from Sanya to...

As of July 1st, 2025, China Railway has implemented a new train schedule that significantly improves connectivity between Sanya and Shenzhen. The Z8006/7 and Z8008/5 trains, have been extended to reach Sanya Station, providing an overnight journey between these two major cities ...

How to Dodge the Worst of May Holiday Traffic...

Plan your May Day trip smartly! Avoid traffic jams on Hainan highways with peak travel tips, scenic detours, and travel advice for a smooth holiday ...
spot_img
HomeArts and cultureSan yue san...

San yue san traditional folk festival coming soon

The san yue san event is a traditional folk festival in Hainan that is observed by the Li and Miao Nationality. It is held on the third day of the third lunar month each year.

This year the festival will be held from April 13 – April 16.

The festival serves as a window into the culture and history of the minority groups here on the island. It is also a celebration of their traditional folk customs.


Throughout the festival, the Li people can be found dressed in traditional style handwoven clothing. Other Li products such as rice wine and bamboo tube rice will also be on display and available throughout this festive time.

It’s a time for people to worship their ancestors, hang out, sing, dance, play music and be merry.

On May 20, 2006, the San yue san Festival of the Li Nationality was approved by the State Council to be on the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

This year’s festival will adopt the theme of “love and gratitude” and it will be held at the Cultural parks of Changjiang county, Shuiman town and Wuzhishan among other venues.

Festival celebrations will start from 1 April and finish around 11 May. 13-16 April will be the highlight of the festival with many of the cultural activities concentrated around these days.


Some of the activities throughout the next month include:

Ritual events, opening ceremonies, theme parties, Ethnic bonfire night, art exhibitions, original ecological folk song duets, traditional minority national sports, The 4th Cultural Forum of Hainan Li Nationality, The 3rd Cultural Forum of Hainan Miao Nationality, Closing Ceremony Theme Evening Party and the Baisha 2021 Hainan Minority Singer of China.

It is reported that during the festival, Haikou, Sanya, Danzhou, Qionghai, Wanning, Dongfang, Wuzhishan, Tunchang, Ledong, Lingshui, Baoting, QiongZhong, Baisha have also arranged venues for activities.

Stay tuned for more information on event locations, times and more.

Related article: What happened at the 2019 3 March festival in Dongfang

Tropicalhainan.com launched it’s official mini programme and WeChat account, scan the Qr code to keep up to date with news, sports, entertainment, travel, opinion and more.

Mini programme ad for middle of articles

- Advertisement -

spot_img

Related articles:

“Our Expression” – Li Ethnic Plant Dye & Rattan Weaving Art Exhibition in Hainan

Explore "Our Expression," a showcase of Li ethnic plant dye and rattan weaving from Wuzhishan’s Maodao Township. Open until July 14, 2025, at the Hainan Provincial Cultural Center in Haikou. Includes workshops and activities on June 21–22 …

First Paleolithic Open-Air Site Discovered in Hainan

The Nanhuo River site, the most comprehensive Paleolithic site ever found on Hainan, challenges the long-held belief that the island had limited prehistoric occupation. Its discovery reshapes our understanding of early human activity in southern China ...

Qingming Festival 2025: Holiday Schedule, Traditions, and Toll-Free Travel

Qingming Festival 2025 offers a three-day holiday from April 4 to April 6. Small cars and passenger vehicles enjoy toll-free expressway travel during this period. Discover traditional activities and upcoming holiday schedules ...

China’s 2025 Public Holidays: Longer Breaks and More Travel Opportunities

Mark your calendars! The next public holiday in China is Qingming Festival, with a three-day break from April 4 to April 6. The best part? There are no work schedule adjustments ...

Get weekly email updates for new articles published!

Latest News ...

Cosy Stays Beyond the Ordinary

Relax, Unwind, and Explore Hainan's Hidden Gems

Puerto Libre Tapas: A Taste of Latin and Mediterranean Cuisine

Located in Xiuying District, Haikou, Puerto Libre Tapas brings together Latin and Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed and inviting setting. The warm decor blends Mediterranean charm with Latin energy, making it a great spot for a casual meal or special night out ...

The Paddy Shack: A Taste of Comfort in Chengmai

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Laocheng Town, Chengmai, just outside Haikou, The Paddy Shack is a welcoming spot for anyone craving hearty...

Batumi: A Taste of Georgia in Haikou

Haikou's dining scene just got a flavorful upgrade with Batumi Georgian Food and Wine. If you're looking to try something new, this is the...
spot_img

Bored? Need to get out more?

Hainan’s Oldest Known Burial Unearthed at Luobi Cave: A Landmark in Paleolithic Archaeology

A new archaeological discovery in Sanya is reshaping what we know about early human history in southern China. At the Luobi Cave site (落笔洞遗址), researchers have uncovered Hainan’s oldest known burial …

Help Us Get a Clearer Picture of Challenges Facing Expats in Hainan

This questionnaire is designed to better understand the real-life challenges expats face in the city, whether it’s dealing with housing, healthcare, education, work, or day-to-day life ...

Typhoon Kalmaegi Strengthens Over the South China Sea, Heads Toward Vietnam Coast

Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 25th named storm of the season, entered the South China Sea early this morning (November 5), gaining strength as it moves northwest toward the central coast of Vietnam ...

Why December 18? The Date that Defines Hainan’s Next Chapter

Discover why Hainan’s island-wide customs closure is set for December 18, 2025, a date echoing China’s historic 1978 Reform and Opening-Up ...
spot_img

Looking for an international pre-school in Haikou?

Flora's International Preschool has three preschools in the Haikou area. Our schools follow a European curriculum

Continue Reading ...

ADEX Asia Diving Expo will be held in Hainan next year

The renowned dive-industry exhibition Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) is set to land in Hainan from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Hainan International Convention & Exhibition Center ...

Something New’s Brewing in Old Town – Grand Opening at The Well Coffee

This Saturday, swing by Haikou’s historic Old Town and be part of the grand opening of The Well Coffee 植芳泉, your new neighborhood spot for quality brews and chill vibes.

Formula E to Return to Hainan in 2026

Formula E returns to Sanya, Hainan on June 20, 2026, with a revamped circuit and a key spot in the championship’s biggest season to date ...

Get weekly email updates for new articles published!

Never miss another important notice or event. Be informed of what you need to know, when you need to know it.