The Sheba Festival, a traditional festival of Tujia Minority, was grandly celebrated in Furong Town in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture on April 23. Performers presented Maogusi Dance, Hand-waving Dance and Timashen Folk Songs to domestic and international tourists. These performances were chosen from state-level intangible cultural heritage list, showcasing the mystifying customs of Tujia People.
It is said that this festival is a special occasion for Tujia People in Xiangxi, when they worship ancestors and pray for a prosperous year. One of the attractions in this festival is the famous and unique sacrifice ceremony.
The charming town in western Hunan was named after a famous movie "Furong Town" filmed there in 1986. The town's one-hour sightseeing route is under construction. The project covers 10 state-level tourist attractions including the ruins of Laosi Town, among China’s 2010 top ten archaeological discoveries and Mengdong River, the best place for rafting in the country. Chief of the project Liu Luping said, the new tourist destination will boast its tourist attractions complementary to Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Translator: Guo Yan
Source: Hunan Official Web Portal
