Tradition & Customs
Huangling Drying Autumn Cultural Festival

Huangling Drying Autumn Cultural Festival is one of the most iconic and immersive seasonal events in the Huangling Scenic Area. Held annually from the Beginning of Autumn to the Beginning of Winter (spanning approximately 135 days), this vibrant festival celebrates the region’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions and colorful folk customs.

Each year, on the first day of the Beginning of Autumn, Huangling kicks off the festival with an enhanced display of its Drying Autumn culture—an endangered but treasured rural tradition. Through vivid and engaging activities, the event preserves cultural heritage while inviting visitors to deeply experience the authentic rural life and local charm of Huangling.

The festival concludes every year on November 7th or 8th, marking the seasonal transition while leaving behind unforgettable memories.

· Living Drying Autumn

Throughout the village, wooden racks, balconies, and rooftops are adorned with an eye-catching mosaic of drying crops—corn, chilies, pumpkins, beans, and more. Modern elements like national flags, emblems, and maps are creatively incorporated into the displays, adding visual interest and symbolic meaning. Visitors can even take part in Drying Autumn puzzle-making, blending fun with folk tradition.

·  Nostalgia Experience

Step back in time and experience life in rural 1990s China. The Nostalgia Zone invites guests to:

· Act as avillage peddler

· Make glutinous ricecakes by hand

· Pop corn using a vintage popcorn machine

· Weave straw shoes and braid palm ropes

· Explore a traditional blacksmith shop

This hands-on journey is both playful and educational—perfect for families and curious travelers alike.

 

· Folklore Performances

Huangling showcases 20 forms of intangible cultural heritage, transforming many intoregular performances throughout the festival. Highlights include:

· Huizhou Wedding Customs

· The graceful Nuo Dance

· Rolling Lanterns and Fish Lanterns

· The majestic Crane Dance

· The mesmerizing Plank Dragon Lantern Parade

These performances bring centuries-old stories and customs to life, offering a window into the region’s rich cultural tapestry.

· Magical Night Tours

As night falls, Huangling transforms into a dreamlike wonderland. Using cutting-edge technologies like holographic 3D projectionsmultimedia lighting, and interactive installations, over 20 immersive night scenes have been created to reflect the village’s landscape and legends.

Visitors often liken the experience to stepping into a Hayao Miyazaki fantasy—a surreal fusion of nature, nostalgia, and magic.