Global storytellers enthralled by Guizhou's Bouyei heritage

The China Storyteller Partnerships 2024 guests pose for a group photo with residents of Yanyu village, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Guizhou province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Known for their rich cultural heritage, unique traditions, and vibrant community life, the Bouyei ethnic group embodies the cultural mosaic of Guizhou province.

A group of global influencers and journalists recently had the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in Bouyei culture across Guizhou.

In Xingyi, famous for its picturesque mountains and lush valleys, the expats reveled in the breathtaking nighttime scenery of Fenglin Bouyei Scenic Area.

With ancient architecture already aglow with lights, guides from the local Bouyei community greeted the delegation with fireworks that danced across the building facades.

"You might feel like you've stepped into Disneyland when you're here. But what's special is how China keeps these cultures and traditions alive," said Miette Dierckx, a Belgian influencer living in China.

They were treated to a captivating dance show by local women, who also performed ancient songs that showcased the vast cultural history this ethnic group is famed for.

The young men and women of the Bouyei mainly express their love for each other through singing. They have nine kinds of love songs, including acquaintance, testing, praising, secret love, and eloping.

Guests were also gifted with Kangbao, pouches filled with fragrant rice bran that are given to symbolize romantic love.

"I'm very fascinated with this (kangbao). I really like the way they told the story about the boy and the girl. I loved the dance scene. I think it's really professional." said Laura Ugalde Aburto, a Mexican influencer who joined the trip.

British influencer Toby Symonds (L) poses for a photo holding his Kangbao, gifted by this Bouyei dancer. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Later in their Guizhou tour, the group was brought to Yanyu village, where the authentic spirit of Bouyei culture was on full display.

Anticipation filled the air as the journalists and influencers were welcomed by the village's entire population, who escorted them up the road leading into town.

Villagers erupted into a colorful celebration featuring a mesmerizing dragon dance accompanied by the lively beats of traditional Bouyei music.

Participants enjoyed watching as dancers gracefully maneuvered through the streets, bringing the mythical dragon to life while embodying the ethos of prosperity and harmony cherished by the Bouyei community.

As trumpet players lined the roadside and drummers moved amongst the crowd, local women, clad in traditional Bouyei ethnic clothing, urged guests to participate in the traditional rice wine greeting, a symbol of hospitality and respect among the Bouyei people.

The rich, fragrant brew warmed hearts and gave guests the energy and confidence to enter the village via fast and precise bamboo pole dancing.

Mexican influencer Laura Ugalde Aburto (R3) and Belgian influencer Miette Dierckx (R2) pose for a photo with villagers wearing traditional Bouyei outfits. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Further engaging with the local culture, the group participated in various Bouyei ethnic games, highlighting the community's playful spirit and competitive nature.

Similar to catching the bouquet at a wedding, one ethnic game involved ladies tossing large bran bags across the village square to find love! If you caught one of the many bags flung through the air, you would be betrothed to its sender. If the young man can't catch the bag, the girl will sing to ask for a gift. Therefore, some women purposely throw it very high so the men can't catch it and the girl can receive a gift.

"Yanyu has been wonderful. It was, without a doubt, the warmest welcome I have ever received," remarked Toby Symonds, a British influencer.

The Guizhou tour left the expat group not just with souvenirs but with heartfelt connections and a deeper understanding of the Bouyei people's heritage.

The warmth of the Bouyei culture enriched their tour of Guizhou, affirming that the province's ethnic diversity holds countless tales waiting to be told.