The Must-Visit Hidden Gem in Yunnan During May Day Holiday: Mojiang!

Mojiang Sun Festival - Festival Information: In Mojiang, Yunnan, the summer solstice is celebrated as the Sun Festival, a grand celebration where the Hani people perform primitive worship rituals. The festival is more spectacular here than elsewhere because Mojiang is China's only Hani Autonomous County and is traversed by the Tropic of Cancer. Since 2005, the "China Mojiang Tropic of Cancer International Twins Festival and Hani Sun Festival" has been regularly held. - Celebration Activities: - Sacred Fire Ceremony: At noon during the Sun Festival (according to Mojiang's true solar time), participants follow the "Mopi" (Hani priest) to the fire-collecting platform to gather sacred fire, which is then used in worship ceremonies at the Mojiang Tropic of Cancer Monument Park to pray for happiness and good health. - Face Blackening: Originally a local tradition where people smeared black soot from pot bottoms on each other's faces to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune. Today, it has evolved into a carnival activity during the Sun Festival, where people smear each other's faces as a way of giving blessings—the blacker the face, the more blessings received. For example, at the 18th Mojiang Tropic of Cancer International Twins Festival and Hani Sun Festival in 2024, tens of thousands of tourists and locals participated in the "face blackening" carnival at Sun Square. - Other Activities: The festival also features bonfire parties, twin-themed parades, Hani long-table banquets, "18-year-old" Hani coming-of-age ceremonies, metaverse electronic music festivals, and other activities that incorporate Hani cultural characteristics and showcase twin culture. Face Blackening Festival - Festival Information: The "Face Blackening Festival" is officially called the Sun Festival, with "face blackening" being an important celebration activity. In Mojiang, it's typically held during the May Day holiday period. For example, in 2025, it will be held all day on May 2-3, with the main activities taking place at Mojiang Sun Square. - Celebration Activities: - Face Blackening Interaction: Special black pigments are provided at the event site (such as 50,000 bags of coffee powder prepared for 2025) for people to smear on each other. - Special Competitions: Hani finger-guessing shows are held, where visitors can enjoy traditional Hani finger-guessing competitions. - Twin Parade: Twins form a parade team, showcasing Mojiang's unique twin culture. - Bonfire Party: At night, people gather around bonfires to sing and dance.