10 Ways to Immerse in Gansu’s Folk Soul: Festivals, Crafts, and Timeless Rituals

Gansu Province, a crossroads of ancient civilizations, is a treasure trove of vibrant ethnic traditions, artisanal crafts, and time-honored rituals. From Dunhuang’s ancient artisan techniques to the rhythmic dances of ethnic minorities, here are ten unforgettable ways to dive into Gansu’s living heritage.

1. Dunhuang Artisan Crafts: Replicating Ancient Murals

Hands-On Silk Road Artistry
In Dunhuang, join artisans to paint miniature replicas of Mogao Cave murals using traditional mineral pigments. Learn about Buddhist iconography and the centuries-old techniques preserved by local families.

2. Gansu Folk Music & Dance: Tibetan and Dongxiang Performances

Rhythms of the Highlands
Attend a Luogu (gong and drum) performance by Tibetan monks in Gannan or watch Dongxiang dancers in Linxia. Their colorful costumes and spirited movements reflect nomadic and agricultural lifestyles.

3. Lanzhou Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Jie)

Lighting Up the Lunar New Year
Each spring, Lanzhou’s streets burst with handmade lanterns during the Lantern Festival. Join locals to solve riddles, eat sweet glutinous rice balls (tangyuan), and watch dragon dances.

4. Ethnic Minority Culture: Dongxiang Tea Ceremonies

Sip Tradition in Linxia
The Dongxiang people, a Muslim minority in Linxia, host elaborate tea ceremonies. Sip baijiu (rice wine) and sangza (fried dough twists) while listening to folk tales passed down through generations.

5. Gansu Handicrafts: Zhangye Embroidery & Weaving

Threads of History
In Zhangye, watch artisans create vibrant su xiu (Su-style embroidery) depicting peonies and phoenixes. Nearby, Yugur women weave colorful patterns into woolen carpets, reflecting their nomadic heritage.

6. Silk Road Rituals: Sacred Mountain Pilgrimages

Trek with Tibetan Pilgrims
Join Tibetan Buddhists on a kora (circumambulation) around Labrang Monastery in Gannan. Prostrate yourself every few steps, a ritual symbolizing humility and devotion.

7. Gansu Cultural Immersion: Homestay in a Yugur Village

Live Like a Nomad
Stay with the Yugur people, a tiny ethnic group near Zhangye. Help milk yaks, wear their traditional red-and-black robes, and learn to sing hua’er (mountain songs) under starry skies.

8. Gansu Dance Traditions: Zhuangge (Flower Dance)

Springtime Celebrations
In spring, villages across Gansu perform Zhuangge, a lively folk dance where dancers wield colored fans and ribbons. Join the circle to mimic flowers blooming in the fields.

9. Gansu Heritage Experiences: Binggou Danxia Storytelling

Myths Carved in Stone
At Binggou Danxia’s red cliffs, listen to local elders recount legends about how the "Ice Valley" was formed by gods. The tales blend Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Yugur folklore.

10. Gansu Traditional Festivals: Shazhou Horse Fair (Dunhuang)

Ride with Silk Road Traders
Held annually in Dunhuang, this fair revives ancient camel and horse trading. Watch equestrian stunts, taste roasted lamb, and barter for handmade saddles and silk scarves.

Why Gansu’s Folk Culture Matters

Gansu’s traditions are living bridges to the past, shaped by Silk Road caravans, Tibetan Buddhism, and Islamic influences. Participating in rituals or crafts isn’t just tourism—it’s a dialogue with history.

Travel Tip: Respect local customs! Remove shoes before entering Tibetan homes, ask before photographing people, and try a bite of qingtuan (green rice cake) during festivals.