Water drum dance attracts large number of tourists in southwest China

A large number of tourists watched a water drum dance in Guizhou Province on Saturday.

All performers were dressed in traditional costumes of the Miao ethnic group, dancing to the drumbeat around a giant wooden drum in the center of the square. [Photo: china news]

More than 10,000 people from Gedong Town, birthplace of the dance, and other neighboring towns participated in the performance at a square in Jianhe County, which is part of the 2017 Guizhou Jianhe Yang'asha Culture Festival.

All performers were dressed in traditional costumes of the Miao ethnic group, dancing to the drumbeat around a giant wooden drum in the center of the square.

Some locals said they hoped that the performance will let more people know about the Miao people.

Tourist Hou Shanshan is from the Miao ethnic group.

"I want more people to know that the Miao people have such a spectacular dance, and I want more people to come here to feel the local customs".

Water drum dance is a unique dance performed during a sacrificial offering ceremony.

Owing to its spectacular performance and over 500 years of history, the dance has won several international awards.

It was also honored as an intangible cultural heritage of Guizhou Province.