The grand opening ceremony of the most important traditional festival----torch festival was held in Shilin Nationality Sport Ground on the afternoon of Aug 11. A great number of domestic and overseas visitors and local people participated in the ceremony.

Stone Forest of Shilin is well known for its extraordinary natural beauty and fascinated Yi customs. Local Sani people, one branch of Yi people, created splendid Yi culture. Shilin torch festival is regarded as Eastern Carnival and designated as festival with much potentiality by IFEA. The festival got Golden Dolphin Award of China national top ten innovative festivals during 2008 and 2009. It also won Golden Finger Award of Chinese festival in 2009.

Bimo(name of a local Yi person ) Performance group and other groups such as flag group and drum group appeared at 1:00 pm. A lot of dancing performance showed to the audience: Splendid Shilin, Axi Pleasant Song, Fire Nationality, Colorful Shilin and Lion Dance.

Magistrate of Shilin County Government Zhang Qinxun addressed speech on the opening ceremony. Mr. Zhang said that some 270 million years ago, Shilin area was covered by vast sea, later the area was uplifted and numerous geological activities created the present Shilin area. Hardworking and brave Sani people created long history and rich culture.

Great changes have taken place in Shilin County in recent years. Local economy develops rapidly, different groups of nationality are united, the whole society is stable, great progress has been made and people live a good life. Stone Forest Scenic Area has been designated as World  Natural Heritage Site, Global Geopark, China National AAAAA Scenic Area and Civilized Scenic Area. Shilin County boasts Singing County, Dancing County, Wrestling County and Folk Painting County. Retrospecting the past and looking into the future, Shilin County Government and local people are confident, and we will make efforts to make Shilin more beautiful and attractive.

Let’s lighten the fire and passion from our heart and deliver our welcome and hospitality. May Shilin County have good tomorrow and be strong and rich.

Vice chairperson of Yunnan Branch of CPPCC declared the opening ceremony of 2012 Shilin Torch Festival. Otther related leaders and officials and journalists all participated in the festival.