Torch Festival boosts holiday economy in Lijiang

The three-day Torch Festival, which began Aug 12, helped boost the holiday economy in Lijiang as people gathered to celebrate.

The Torch Festival is a traditional festival with folk and cultural significance for ethnic groups such as the Yi, Naxi and Pumi. Called the "Carnival in the East", festival custom calls for every family to light a torch during the holiday. Many peasants sell bundles of torches in the market to make extra income.

Shops and restaurants in the downtown area also offered promotions to attract more customers. Places of entertainment such as karaoke parlors were full of people. Some shops lit torches in front of their entrance as staff sang and danced with customers.

The holiday economic boom is important because it reflects an improvement in local living standards.