The annual Torch Festival will begin on Aug 15 in Liangshan, Sichuan province, showcasing the "fire" culture of the Yi and other ethnic groups. Xichang, capital of Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, is gearing up for a gala night of torches. Famous as the nation's satellite launch center, Xichang has turned the fire festival into one of its many tourist draws.

The festival is also called the Oriental Valentine's Day as young people approach and court their favored ones during the public dancing and singing. In Butuo county, young men and women meet through a more extreme form - the wrestling game.

Other events include beauty contests, gourmet festivals, horse racing, cockfighting and folk singing. At the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, performers from Liangshan drew the whole world's attention with the gaoqiang (high-pitched singing), and the duoluohe (pictured) and dati dances.