Exploring China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival

There are countless festivals and traditions in China, but as the Middle Kingdom has become increasingly urbanized and developed, some of these have started to die out. To truly experience a genuine, colorful, and lively festival, you need to get out into the countryside, preferably in the south of China, where minority groups strive hard to keep their traditions alive. A great festival to explore is China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival, a kind of Valentine’s Day equivalent of the Miao minority in southwest China’s Guizhou province.

This festival is a celebration of spring and of love. It is not only a feast for the senses but also an important cultural event that showcases the rich heritage of the Miao people. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or looking for ways to add fun and spirit to your family vacation in China, this guide has everything you need to know.

History and legend of the Miao Sisters’ Meal Festival

Legend has it there was once an old man and his wife who had three beautiful daughters. One day, while they were playing on the riverside, the girls felt lonely and lovesick. A bearded god, Zhang Guolao, possessed the girls’ spirits, telling them to prepare five-colored rolls of glutinous rice filled with shrimp, fish, and other special ingredients. When the young men came down from the mountain, the beautiful girls presented the rice to them, and the young men fell in love with them.

China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival has deep roots in Miao culture, dating back hundreds of years. It was originally created as a courtship ritual where young Miao girls would prepare special meals and present them to potential suitors looking to marry. These meals, wrapped in colored silk and adorned with symbolic decorations, conveyed hidden messages about a woman’s feelings toward a suitor. Different items inside the rice packets signified different feelings—two chopsticks indicated interest, while a single chili pepper meant rejection.

Young women get dressed in their finest embroidered clothes and silver jewelry and set out to attract a suitable mate and give presents of colored rice to suitable suitors. This is just one part of it, though, and in essence, the festival is an excuse for two or three days of dancing, singing, eating, and drinking lots of rice wine.

Over time, this festival in China has evolved into a grand cultural event celebrating love, community, and Miao traditions. Today, it remains one of the most important festivals for the Miao people, preserving their customs and attracting visitors from around the world.

When is the Sisters’ Meal Festival?

China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival takes place annually, typically lasting two to three days. The exact dates are based on the Miao lunar calendar, with the event taking place on the 15th day of the third lunar month.

This usually falls around mid-April in the Gregorian calendar, meaning it happens in spring. This is an ideal time for the festival, as the landscapes of the Chinese region are lush and full of blooming flowers, adding the perfect setting for the beauty of the celebrations.

Where is the festival?

The festival is primarily held in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Guizhou province, with the main festivities taking place in Taijiang County and nearby villages. These regions are home to the Miao people, who have preserved their cultural heritage for centuries.

Surrounded by breathtaking karst mountains, terraced rice fields, and traditional wooden houses, this region offers a stunning backdrop for the festival. Traveling to Guizhou allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of China’s ethnic minority communities.

The province of Guizhou is very much an off-the-beaten-track adventure, and while you’re likely to see other Westerners, they will be few and far between. The bigger, more touristy groups are often put off by the bumpy roads and lack of five-star hotels. The main town of Kali is becoming more popular – but festivals still take place in the smaller towns and villages in the region.

How do the local people prepare for the event?

Preparations for the Sisters’ Meal Festival in China begin well in advance. Young women start making the iconic “sisters’ rice” weeks before the festival. This dish consists of sticky glutinous rice colored with natural plant dyes in shades of pink, blue, yellow, and white. These colors symbolize different elements of life, such as love, prosperity, and happiness.

Parents and villagers also busy themselves with crafting elaborate traditional clothing, including embroidered dresses, silver ornaments, and headdresses worn by Miao girls during the festival. The intricate silver jewelry, often handcrafted, plays a significant role in the festival, as it is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Men and women also rehearse for traditional performances, including singing songs, dancing, and musical presentations featuring the lusheng, a bamboo wind instrument unique to the Miao ethnic group.

Activities that take place during the festival

The Sisters’ Meal Festival is a multi-day celebration filled with lively activities and cultural displays. Some of the main highlights include:

1. Sisters’ rice exchange

Young men looking for a woman to marry will venture to other villages to ask for “sisters’ rice” and have the freedom to decide which village to go to and which girl to single out. Young Miao girls prepare the iconic sisters’ rice and present it in a ceremony to potential suitors in a beautifully decorated package.

The rice usually ranges in four colors: red, blue, yellow, and white. It also incorporates roots, flowers, and leaves. The rice arrangement and the objects placed inside serve as secret messages conveying a woman’s interest—or lack thereof. A bamboo hook implies a second contact, while the buds of a Chinese toon symbolize the coming of a marriage. Unfortunately for the suitor, finding a garlic stalk hints at a polite rejection.

2. Traditional music and dance

Miao people perform folk dances and sing traditional folk songs, often accompanied by lusheng music. These visually stunning performances tell stories of the Miao’s history, love, and daily life.

One dance, in particular, is the fire dragon dance, also known as “ the Game of the Brave”. During this dance, shirtless dancers perform in the firelight along with fireworks and crafted dragons, creating a spectacular sight. Women perform the drum dance, a lively performance accompanied by wooden drums.

3. Parade and costume show

Women wear stunning embroidered dresses and towering silver ornaments, neck rings, and headdresses during a grand parade. This showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Miao artisans and is a feast for photographers and culture enthusiasts alike.

4. Bullfighting and horse racing

The festival also traditionally includes bullfighting competitions and horse races. This not only highlights the region’s rural traditions and agricultural roots, but the friendly competition also contributes to the festive camaraderie.

Some areas even include canoe races in their festivities which, again, links to the Miao people’s close ties to the land and agriculture. These canoe races also symbolize teamwork and support, which is a big part of the Miao culture.

5. Lover’s singing duels

Men and women engage in friendly singing duels, where they exchange flirtatious verses in an antiphonal style called ‘duige’. This is done in an attempt to impress one another. If either can’t respond in song, they lose and have to give the winner a gift. This centuries-old tradition adds an element of romance and fun to the celebrations.

6. Feasting and community gatherings

Visitors and locals alike gather to enjoy traditional Chinese Miao cuisine, including dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Some elements of the feasts include homemade rice wine, rice dumplings, fried dumplings with meat and sauerkraut. The festival is a time of communal harmony, with feasts bringing families and friends together.

How to see the festival

The easiest way to reach the Sisters’ Meal Festival is by flying into Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province. From there, you can take a train or bus to Taijiang County, which serves as the main hub for the event. Custom-made tours planned alongside a local expert offer added convenience, as they will include options for in-destination transportation, accommodations, and guided experiences, all combined in a way that suits your needs and preferences.

For solo travelers, hiring a local expert can help them navigate the festivities and understand the deeper meanings behind the customs.

Tips for visiting the Miao Sisters’ Meal Festival

Planning to attend China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival? Here are some top tips to enhance your experience:

• Book accommodations early: The popular festival attracts many visitors, so hotels and guesthouses fill up quickly.
• Learn a few Miao phrases: While Mandarin is spoken, learning some Miao greetings can be a great way to connect with locals.
• Respect local customs: The Miao people have unique traditions, so be mindful of their cultural norms and ask permission before taking photos.
• Try the sisters’ rice: Don’t miss out on this iconic dish—it’s not just food to eat but a cultural symbol.
• Join in the festivities: Whether dancing or singing, participating will make your experience even more memorable.

Read more: Travel warnings and advisories: top tips to know before you travel

How to get to Guizhou

Attending this festival means venturing into the countryside, but getting to Guizhou is easier than you might think. The most convenient way is to fly into Guiyang, the province’s capital.

Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) has direct flights from major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and even some international destinations. From Guiyang, you can take a high-speed train or long-distance bus to reach different parts of the province, including Taijiang County, where the Sisters’ Meal Festival is held.

If you’re traveling from within China, the high-speed rail network is a fantastic option. Guiyang North Railway Station connects to major hubs like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Kunming, making train travel an affordable and efficient way to get around.

Once in Guizhou, buses and private drivers are the best ways to explore the scenic countryside. For a hassle-free trip, consider joining a guided tour that includes transportation and local insights.

What you can and can’t wear to China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival

When attending the Sisters’ Meal Festival, it’s important to dress comfortably while still respecting local customs. Since the festival involves plenty of walking, wear comfortable shoes—sturdy sneakers or walking sandals are ideal for navigating village paths. Light, breathable clothing is best for Guizhou’s warm and humid April weather, but it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket for those cooler evenings.

While there’s no strict dress code, avoid overly revealing outfits like short shorts or crop tops, as the Miao culture leans towards modesty. If you want to embrace the experience fully, opt for some colorful clothing or purchase a few local Miao-inspired accessories, like embroidered scarves or silver jewelry.

One thing to avoid is wearing traditional Miao attire unless you’re invited to do so by locals. These outfits hold cultural significance, and wearing them inappropriately can be seen as disrespectful. Instead, admire the stunning embroidered dresses and elaborate silver headdresses from the sidelines while soaking in the beauty of the festival and the Miao culture.

What to pack

Packing appropriately will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable time at the festival. Here’s what to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes: Many events take place in rural villages, requiring some walking.
• Light, breathable clothing: April weather in Guizhou can be warm and humid.
• A rain jacket or umbrella: Sudden showers are common in this region.
• A good camera: The festivities are incredibly photogenic, so bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage.
• Cash: Many small vendors and local businesses do not accept credit cards, so having some Chinese yuan on hand is a good idea.

Make it happen

China’s Sisters’ Meal Festival is a captivating cultural event that offers travelers an authentic glimpse into the traditions of the Miao people. Whether you’re looking to witness a centuries-old courtship ritual, taste colorful sticky rice, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, it is an unforgettable view into one of China’s most fascinating ethnic traditions. If you’re planning a Chinese escape in April, be sure to add this spectacular event to your itinerary – our local experts can help you include it as part of a memorable vacation.