Qinglong county held its seventh torch festival in the Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture on Aug 15, attracting thousands of visitors and lighting up the skies of the Ameiqituo town.

The seventh torch festival lights up Ameiqituo town in Qinglong county on Aug 15. [Photo/ldqxn.com]

People of the Yi ethnic group worship fire as a symbol of light and enthusiasm. With singing and dancing around lit bonfires, the festival celebrates the bumper harvest with prayers for good luck in the following year. Traditional Yi dances and acrobatics are also performed during the festival. 

In its seventh year, the torch festival, together with the recently held rally car race, has given a significant boost to local tourism and the economy in Qinglong county. 

The county has also been making efforts to promote local delicacies and scenery. Qinglong spicy chicken and Qinglong's 24 Turns scenic area have gained a nationwide reputation. 

The local government plans to further promote the county's rich mountain resources and create more tourism brands around its beautiful natural scenery and splendid historical culture.