Xiangshui Village in the Jinning District of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, is home to the Yi ethnic group. Surrounded by mountains, lush forests and over 66 hectares of rapeseed flowers blooming in early spring, the village kicked off its third Rapeseed Flower Festival on March 2, offering city dwellers the chance to escape the urban jungle and soak up rural culture.

Villagers dressed in the traditional clothing of Yi ethnic group dance during the third Rapeseed Flower Festival in Xiangshui Village, in the Jinning District of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province on March 2, 2024. /IC

Due to the mountainous terrain, the rapeseed is planted in terraced fields, making the vast expanse of petals appeal even more dramatic and picturesque. The fields serve as the "stage" for the festival, where the local Yi people offer a program of unique cultural performances.

Traditional Yi dances and songs soon arouse the interest of visitors to join in with the festivities. The festival also features the unique Yanglao drum dance, a kind of square dance where people dance to the beat of the Yanglao drum.

Tourists pose for photos at the third Rapeseed Flower Festival in Xiangshui Village, in the Jinning District of Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province on March 2, 2024. /IC

In recent years, the cultivation of rapeseed flowers has become the leading form of agriculture in the village. The local government has been guiding and supporting villagers in their business ventures, which has also resulted in a boom in rural tourism where visitors can sample the unique culture of the Yi ethnic group.

Unlike the yellow hues of rapeseed flowers that often spring to mind, the flowers in Xiangshui Village come in a variety of colors, including orange, white, pink, purple and yellow. The flowers usually begin to bloom in early March and reach full bloom by the end of March. The flowering season can last until the end of April.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong