The "2026 Summer Wonderland · Ethnic Group Celebration – I'm Waiting for You in Guizhou" event was held in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Aug 8-9.

People of various ethnicities across the country gathered at the Ethnic Unity Square in local Guanshanhu district to celebrate with water blessings, singing, and dancing, jointly embracing a vibrant summer celebration.

The "2026 Summer Wonderland · Ethnic Group Celebration – I'm Waiting for You in Guizhou" event is held in Guiyang on Aug 8-9. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Centered on visitor-driven interactive experiences, the event featured three main sections: a water-splashing carnival, a public stage, and a bonfire party, creating an immersive, all-day summer cultural tourism experience.

At the event site, participants eagerly splashed water in hopes of bringing about good fortune. Water balloons, water guns, ladles, and basins were all used, sending water flying through the air. Laughter and joy filled the square.

In addition, a variety of fun games were organized, including a blindfolded water-passing relay, a race to collect water using creative tools, and a two-person water gun water-fetching challenge. Participants formed teams, enjoying the thrill of water play through friendly rivalry.

People enjoy the refreshing water-splashing carnival in Guiyang. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

Later, a heartfelt performance of the song I'm Waiting for You in Guizhou kicked off a series of stage performances. Performances included male-female duets, saxophone solos, band performances, and children's violin musicals. Ethnic charm and modern melodies intertwined, offering the audience a rich audiovisual experience.

As night fell, the bonfire party began. An ethnic street dance performance kicked off the evening, followed by a bonfire lighting ceremony. The blazing fire illuminated the night sky, as visitors joined hands and danced around the fire, their songs and laughter weaving a moving testament to ethnic unity.

In addition, four supporting service zones were set up during the event: a trendy market area, a specialty food zone, a prop exchange area, and an activity exchange area. Visitors were able to enjoy a one-stop shopping experience for local cultural creative products, handicrafts, and folk accessories, while savoring a wide range of Guizhou specialty snacks, summer beverages, barbecue, and light meals – making for a memorable summer experience.

Children engage in a water fight. [Photo/Guiyang news network]