The staging of the Shangsi Festival, a special traditional festival of the Zhuang people, brought business opportunities for residents in Hechi city, according to Hechi Daily on March 31.

The ethnic festival has been a holiday for all people in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, this year occurring on March 30 and 31.

A vendor sells flowers at the Shangsi Festival. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Small businesses selling props made good profits. Instruments, costumes and other items used in performances also sold well due to the increased ethnic activities held in Hechi.

Retailers generated higher margins, with their agricultural products attracting many more consumers. About 150 kilograms of agricultural products were sold recently, double the normal amount, said Meng Zhigao, a local farmer.

As the national festival Qingming followed the Shangsi Festival, the holiday extends to six days, which is good news for travellers wanting to take excursions, and this will increase business in the area’s tourism sector.