Water-Splashing Festival draws 20,000 tourists in southwest China

Ruili City in southwest China’s Yunnan Province erupted in joyous celebration as some 20,000 tourists and local residents gathered in a central square for the grand Water-Splashing Festival. Armed with basins, water bags, and water guns, revelers drenched one another in a vibrant ritual symbolizing wishes for happiness, prosperity, and good fortune in the year ahead.

The festival is regarded as one of the most important occasions observed by the Dai and the De’ang people in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture. The festival is typically celebrated from April 13 to April 15 each year.