Bama to celebrate 60th anniversary

Bama Yao autonomous county will celebrate its 60th anniversary from Nov 18 to 20, according to an announcement from the local government.

The celebrations will include a range of traditional and culturally important activities, such as singing, dancing, photography and calligraphy exhibitions, economic and social development forums, and commodity fairs. The 17th Hechi Bronze Drum Folk Song Art Festival will also be held.

Bama Yao autonomous county has been honored as “China’s longevity village”. It belongs to Hechi city in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, located in the northwest of Guangxi. The total area of the county is 1,971 square kilometers and its construction area covers 8 square kilometers.

Eleven ethnic groups inhabit Bama, including the Yao and Zhuang ethnicities. The permanent resident population is 60,000.

Established on Feb 6, 1956, Bama has substantially increased its comprehensive economic strength, developed featured agriculture and upgraded tourism. Last year, Local GDP and fiscal revenue reached 3.38 billion yuan ($494 million) and 232 million yuan, respectively.