The Origin of the Torch Festival: Daliangshan Gukede and the Sea of Azaleas

The "Eastern Carnival Valley"

1.Located in Jiefang: Township, northeast of Zhaojue County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Gukede (also known as Gukede of China's Yi Township) is a stunning highland destination that blends raw natural beauty with profound ethnic culture. Situated at an altitude between 2,800 and 3,200 meters, the scenic area covers a core range of about 50 square kilometers. It is widely recognized as a "Living Museum of Daliangshan Yi Customs" and the "Eastern Carnival Valley." Unlike heavily commercialized tourist spots, Gukede retains the authentic, rugged charm of the plateau, offering a pure immersion into the lifestyle of the Yi people and the breathtaking landscapes of the Liangshan Mountains,.

2.The Sea of: Solma Flowers and Highland Pastures

3.The natural landscape of: Gukede is defined by its layered highland scenery. One of its most spectacular features is the Sea of Solma Flowers (Azaleas). During the summer months, tens of thousands of acres of wild rhododendrons bloom in a riot of pink and purple, covering the plateau like a vibrant carpet. This floral spectacle is often framed by distant snow peaks, creating a dreamlike visual contrast that attracts photographers and nature lovers,. The area also features the Qiliba Plateau Pasture, a vast expanse of meadow where horses and sheep graze under the open sky, offering a serene "塞外" (frontier) atmosphere. The Yanqi Wetland is a haven for biodiversity, where migratory birds like egrets and grey cranes can be seen amidst lush water grass, providing a tranquil setting for walking and bird watching,.

The Origin of the Torch Festival

4.Gukede holds a sacred place in: Yi culture as one of the birthplaces of the famous Torch Festival (Fire Festival). Every year around the 24th of the sixth lunar month, the valley transforms into a sea of fire and joy. Legend has it that the festival originated here from the stories of the hero Zhige Alu, who used torches to drive away pests or fight against deities. Today, Gukede hosts grand celebrations including traditional beauty contests, horse racing, bullfighting, wrestling, and the energetic Datie Dance. At night, the mountains are illuminated by thousands of torches carried by villagers, creating a spectacular scene of light and sound that celebrates freedom, harvest, and the exorcising of evil spirits,.

A Repository of History and Mystery

Beyond the festivities, Gukede is a site of deep historical significance. It bears witness to the region's dramatic social transition. Historically a settlement for the "Black Yi" nobility, the area preserved a complete caste system until the democratic reforms of 1956, marking a "step across a millennium" from a slave society to socialism. Visitors can explore traditional Yi architecture in the Gukede Village, featuring "Mulefang" (wood-log) houses and watchtowers. The area is also home to the mysterious Megalithic Array (Stone Array), a collection of natural stone pillars scattered across the valley that resemble ancient totems, adding a layer of geological mystery to the landscape. The spiritual heritage is kept alive by the Bimo (priests), who perform rituals and recite oral epics like the Le'eteyi, preserving the ancient wisdom of the Yi people.