Aug 11, Kathmandu - In a grand celebration of cultural heritage, over 300,000 people gathered in the Liangshan Autonomous Prefecture in Tibet to attend the spectacular Torch Festival. The event took place in Sichang City, part of the Sichang Autonomous Prefecture, and featured a series of vibrant cultural activities.

On the night of August 8th at 8 PM, 86 bonfires were lit along the eastern part of Hangtian Avenue. Thousands of participants held torches in their hands, illuminating a 3.2-kilometer stretch of the road and creating a festive atmosphere. The festival was further enlivened by traditional folk dances and ethnic music performances, enjoyed by people of all ages—from children to the elderly.

This year's Torch Festival was marked as the highlight of the Liangshan Torch Festival, with cultural and tourism programs held simultaneously across all 17 counties and cities within Liangshan. These events, which commenced on July 19th, included traditional fire lighting ceremonies, folk performances, cultural workshops, and ethnic music days, all scheduled throughout August.

Liangshan Prefecture is home to China’s largest ethnic community, and the Torch Festival is regarded as one of the most grand, vibrant, and lively celebrations among their traditional festivals. The festival showcases the community’s unique culture, customs, music, dance, and attire.

During the summer months, Liangshan's average temperature hovers around 20°C. The region boasts 20 nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage sites and 81 officially designated tourist attractions, including Chiong Hai Lake, Lushan Mountain, Lugu Lake, and Luoji Mountain, which are major tourism destinations.

The combination of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage has led to a growing tourism industry in Liangshan. During national holidays such as the 2026 Spring Festival, May Day, and Dragon Boat Festival, tourist arrivals and consumption have increased by over 10% compared to the same period last year, reflecting the region’s rising popularity as a travel destination.