Jingning County in Zhejiang Province is the only She autonomous county in China, and the only ethnic autonomous county in East China. "San Yue San", held on the third day of the third lunar month each year, is a traditional festival of the She ethnic group. The main activities include going outdoors for spring excursions and eating black rice to honor ancestors, hence its alternative name, the "Black Rice Festival". In 2008, She ethnic group's "San Yue San", submitted by Jingning She Autonomous County, was inscribed on the second National Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Photo by Jingning Online News

For the She people, the importance of "San Yue San" is comparable to that of the Spring Festival. When the festival arrives, Jingning She Autonomous County hosts festive celebrations. Men and women of all ages dress in their finest traditional attire and gather to sing. Bonfire song gatherings, dance performances, and traditional She sports competitions follow one after another. Families also slaughter livestock and prepare black rice to worship their ancestors, and many She families choose this day for engagements and weddings.

Recommended Place to Visit

In celebration of "San Yue San", Jingning hosts folk sports competitions, parades, specialty product markets, and a variety of cultural activities at the Sanyuesan Square. In addition, the She Township Window, a scenic area centered on She culture, features traditional She wedding performances. During "San Yue San", visitors can also enjoy black rice dishes and experience the rich cultural charm of the She ethnic group.