Visiting
The 25th Fishing Fire Festival on the Lijiang River in Yangshuo, Guangxi, will run from Dec 27 to 31, 2025. Combining local culture with its iconic landscapes, the festival offers five major events for an immersive year-end experience covering history, food, outdoor activities, and nightlife.
The vibrant scene of Lijiang River Fishing Boat Lights Festival. [Photo/Guilin Daily]
The first event focuses on intangible heritage. Launching on Dec 27 in Dutou village, Fuli town, it showcases Yangshuo folk songs, Nuo dance, and Guiju Opera through a "landscape, heritage and festival" format.
The second event is a culinary competition. Held that afternoon at Yangshuo Bay Wharf, the contest features three categories: kumquat banquet, traditional wok dishes, and landscape-inspired cuisine.
The third event is a mass hiking festival. Taking place Dec 27-28, three selected routes pass through the Yulong and Jinbao river areas. The hike includes role-playing, folk singing, and stops at guesthouses and local vendors.
The fourth event is an immersive night festival. On the evening of Dec 27 at Yangshuo Bay Wharf, visitors can join a stamp-collection challenge across seven cultural stations. The night continues with a drone show, cormorant fishing, a synchronized display of fishing lights, fireworks and bonfires, along with live music.
The fifth event closes with a dragon parade. On Dec 31 in Yulong village, Baisha town, a grand dragon parade will conclude the festival and welcome the new year.
People hike together, with every step offering stunning new views. [Photo/Guilin Daily]
