A traditional festival featuring thousands of dancers is drawing holidaymakers to Longchuan County in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, turning the remote border town into an emerging cultural tourism destination.

During China’s National Day holiday, visitors joined local Jingpo communities in performing Munao Zongge, a centuries-old tradition meaning “dancing together” in the Jingpo dialect. Accompanied by music and thundering drums, the mass dance is traditionally held during major celebrations to pray for good fortune.

The festival reflects a growing trend among Chinese travellers to explore smaller destinations and seek authentic cultural experiences beyond crowded cities.

For Longchuan, which borders Myanmar, the trend is bringing new opportunities. The county had no travel agencies just two years ago but now receives organised tour groups and independent visitors.

Local authorities plan to make Munao Zongge a regular tourism attraction, using the festival to promote wider cultural and scenic routes across the county.