An artist performs during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

SANYA, China, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A gala celebrating China's 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities was held at Yasha Park in Sanya, Hainan Province, showcasing the nation's rich cultural diversity and unity.

The event commenced with a welcome ceremony and cultural fair at the Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area, where athletes and guests enjoyed vibrant performances of traditional songs and dances, theatrical presentations, folk customs, and exhibitions of the area's intangible cultural heritage. Interactive activities further enlivened the experience.

The cultural fair reached its climax as participants exchanged gifts and came together to perform the Gongtong Dance of the Li ethnic group, inspired by the rhythms of Danzhou folk tunes.

"Sanya is a coastal city known for its unique maritime charm," said Wu Yan, chief producer of the Ethnic Gala. "We created nearly 40 thematic ethnic displays at the Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area, forming a continuous 'ethnic landscape' along the seashore."

"By blending coastal scenery, ethnic cultural performances, and natural elements like forests, beaches, and blue skies, we aimed to merge Hainan's regional uniqueness with ethnic traditions and modern trends," Wu explained.

Liu Junjie, a Han athlete from the Hebei delegation, praised the fair's vibrant atmosphere. "The gala today was incredibly lively. I could truly feel the harmony among all ethnic groups. I feel so fortunate to be Chinese," he said.

During the main gala, athletes enjoyed captivating performances and eagerly participated in interactive games. As the event came to a close, the festive spirit soared as performers enthusiastically invited athletes to sing and dance, creating a joyful atmosphere that embodied the spirit of unity and friendship. ■

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

An artist performs during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng)

An artist performs during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Artists welcome guests during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

An artist performs during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Members of delegations exchange gifts during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

Artists welcome guests during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Artists perform bamboo dance during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

An artist performs during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

An artist performs during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Artists are seen during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Artists perform during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Artists welcome guests during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Artists perform during a gala held during the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Artists perform during a gala held during the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Artists perform during a gala held during the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Visitors enjoy traditional handicraft making during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Visitors enjoy a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Bowen)

Visitors enjoy traditional handicraft making during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

Models present Chinese traditional costumes during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorji)

People enjoy Touhu game, or Pitch-pot, an ancient Chinese entertainment that requires players to throw sticks from a set distance into a canister, during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Models present Chinese traditional costumes during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorji)

People dance during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

People enjoy traditional handicraft making during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

People enjoy swing during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)

People enjoy coconut bowling near the sea during a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo by Du Xiaowei/Xinhua)

People enjoy a performance gala of the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Artists perform during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Members of Taiwan's delegation and Yunnan's delegation pose for a photo during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Artists perform during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

Artists pose after a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Artists perform during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Artists perform during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Artists wave hands during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

An artist and a delegation member dance during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Photo by Du Xiaowei/Xinhua)

Artists pose for a photo during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

People dance during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

Artists perform during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

Artists pose for a photo during a gala held at the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Nov. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)