STORY: Vlog: Celebrating torch festival with Yi people in SW China
SHOOTING TIME: July 29, 2024
DATELINE: Aug. 6, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:32
LOCATION: XICHANG, China
CATEGORY: CULTURE/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the torch festival
2. STANDUP 1 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
3. various of the torch festival
4. STANDUP 2 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
5. SOUNDBITE 1 (Yi dialect): QUMUYISHA, Winner of the beauty pageant
6. STANDUP 3 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
7. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): UZAIR KHAN, Tourist from Pakistan
8. SOUNDBITE 3 (Yi dialect): Local residents
9. STANDUP 4 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent

STORYLINE:

STANDUP 1 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
"That's the parade over there. Let's go and join them.
I'm here at Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province for the torch festival of the Yi ethnic group.
The torch festival has been passed down for over a thousand years and it is the largest and the most participated traditional festival in Liangshan."

This year's festival runs from July 19 to August 19 and features a variety of activities, including singing, dancing, horse racing, wrestling, and bonfire parties.

STANDUP 2 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
"Look at my outfit. It is the traditional Yi costume. I really like my hat. It's heavy but elegant!
In the picturesque landscape of Liangshan, we were warmly invited by local residents to join many activities celebrating the festival.
During the torch festival, they also held a beauty pageant. Next to me is one of the winners of the beauty pageant."

SOUNDBITE 1 (Yi dialect): QUMUYISHA, Winner of the beauty pageant
"Wishing you a joyful torch festival, good health, and success in everything!"

STANDUP 3 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
"Thousands of tourists are attracted to experience the 'oriental carnival.' With the growing popularity of travel in China, many foreign friends have also come to enjoy it firsthand.
I think it's pretty hard really!
So, how do you feel about it?"

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): UZAIR KHAN, Tourist from Pakistan
"Well, it was really a good experience, a really new experience, to be honest. Because getting the steps of this dance is a bit difficult. It takes a little bit of time to get the hang of this dance, but once you do, it's really enjoyable. I'm really excited to take part in this festival."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Yi dialect): Local residents
"Good luck and best wishes. Happy torch festival!"

STANDUP 4 (English): LI CHENXI, Xinhua correspondent
"Fire not only brings light and warmth, but in the eyes of the Yi people, the huge torches lit during the festival symbolize driving away pests, praying for a good harvest, and worshipping ancestors.
I'm holding in my hand the torch which symbolizes peace and harvest.
The entire city is illuminated by torches, filled with enthusiasm and joy everywhere."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xichang, China.
(XHTV)