Sanyuesan (三月三) is the Li and Miao people's most important traditional festival — their equivalent of Spring Festival. It falls on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month (early April on the Gregorian calendar). During the festival, Li villages hold antiphonal singing, bamboo pole dancing, crossbow shooting, bar-pushing, turtle-pulling, and embroidered ball tossing. The biggest celebrations are at Binglanggu in Baoting and Lidong Cultural Park in Wuzhishan. Sanya city also hosts smaller events.
Recommended venues: ① Binglanggu, Baoting (most festive atmosphere, large celebrations during the festival, 135 RMB including performances); ② Lidong Cultural Park, Wuzhishan (most authentic — boat-shaped houses and Li brocade weaving, free entry but remote); ③ Sanya Nanshan Dongtian (Li & Miao cultural shows during the festival, 90 RMB); ④ Sanya Romance Park (Li-Miao themed show "Sanya Romance," 280-480 RMB/person — spectacular staging but commercialized).
Must-do experiences: ① Bamboo pole dancing (traditional Li youth social activity; lessons available at scenic areas); ② Three-color rice (sticky rice dyed with mulberry leaves, turmeric, and blue vine — festival-only); ③ Shanlan wine (Li sticky rice wine, low ABV, slightly sweet); ④ Li brocade weaving (UNESCO heritage; grandmas demonstrate on-site); ⑤ Li "Bayin" instrumental music (unique instruments like nose flute, mouth bow, zhuoba). Etiquette: respect Li village customs — don't touch children's heads, ask before photographing, and bright-colored clothing will be welcomed.