Lusheng Dance

Lusheng is an antique reed instrument.  The longest one is more than 1 zhang ( equals 5 metres) while the shortest one is less than 1 chi( equals 3 centimetres).  Some have a maxium of 10 reeds.  Some have charinet or oboe.  The most popular ones have 6 reeds,  with forceful but low and deep tone or clear and melodious tone. In the history of the Miao's culture, Lusheng was not only regarded as the symbol of their people, but also combined with dance, music, acrobatics and martial art, etc. With the communication and interaction of various cultures, Lusheng dance is also popular in the Dong, Shui, Buyi, Yao and Yi ethnic groups.

There are nearly 100 tunes and dance paces, of which, 10 are most popular, with lively rhythm in bold and rough style. Lusheng Dance is composed of two kinds: women's dance accompanied by men's playing and dancing accompanied by one's own playing.  Martial art movements of the Miao people and some extremely difficult acrobatic feats have been assimilated in Lusheng dance, which is especially popular. Now, Lusheng Dance is a necessary activity in the festivals of the Miao people in Guiyang.

Bullfight

Not like that in Spain which is a fight between a man and a bull. Bullfight in the rural areas of Guiyang is a distinctive recreational activity in the slack season. Bullfight is usually held after the transplanting of the rice seedlings and before the harvest, that is between the sixth lunar month and the eighth lunar month. Gaopo and Mengguan are the two villages where bullfights are held.  The bull which will join in the fight is called Balang by the local people.  To pray a victory for Balang , the relatives and friends of the same village or other villages will invite the owner of a Balang to drink Balang Wine to boost his courage.

Caichang which takes place on the day of bullfight is an exciting prelude. After the report of the iron guns, the Balang with red ribbons tied to the head, and the sheets presented by relatives and friends tied on the back, circles the court followed by the lookers-on. People in many other villages also bring their bulls to join in the ceremony, so that the atmosphere is lively and the scene is most magnificent with the spirited sound of suona horns, the deafening noise of the crackers, cheers and laughters.  Then, a reverend elder makes a speech and takes the gifts off the bull's back and the ceremony Caichang concludes.

Upon the agreement of the bull owners, the Bullfight starts formally.  If the two bulls are not matched in strength, soon the weak one will fall on the ground and then run away.  If they are well matched, they will keep fighting until both panting and foaming at the mouth.  Then a veteran will come to seperate them with something like ropes or bamboo poles to avoid casualties.

Usually the bullfight ground is flat in the center with gentle slopes around, so that people can watch easily.

Dixi

The origin of Dixi can be traced back to Nuo Dance in the primitive societies in China. Ancestors danced with god or animal facial masks to pay tribute to gods and drive away evil spirits and pray for a harvest.  Nuoxi is a comprehensive art transformed from the sacrificial singing and dancing ceremonies. Large number of army men and emigrants to Guizhou in the Ming Dynasty  brought in Nuoxi, which was popular in the Central Plains and regions in the South of Yangtze river. Later, combined with the local culture, Dixi was formed, which kept the original style of Nuoxi.

Dixi of the Buyi people in Guiyang reaches its climax on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the year. The contents of the stories are mainly based on ancient Chinese stories about going on an expedition and loyalty, with legends narrated by the rural languages.  It is interesting that the women characters in Dixi are acted by men. The magnifcient and unique costumes look colorful and mysterious, filled with the indomitable courage and martial qualities of the "Martial Nuo".
 
(Source: Guiyang.cn    Photos: Baidu.com)