People light up torches to celebrate Yi people's Torch Festival in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan. [Photo/ Li Fuqing]

The opening ceremony of the Shilin International Torch Carnival was held on August 11. Yi people celebrate their grandest festival, the Torch Festival, which falls from 24th to 26th day of the sixth lunar month.

Yi people presented lion dance and played three-stringed plucked instruments. Some well-known Chinese singers were invited to perform for the event. Five boxers of Thai boxing from America, France, Thailand and Japan competed their skills on this special day.

At night, people lit up their torches on the streets and blackened each other's faces to express best wishes.

Two boxers, Chinese and Russian, compete in a Thai boxing competition to celebrate the Torch Festival held in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan. [Photo/ Zhu Renyan]

Two boxers, Chinese and Russian, compete in a Thai boxing competition to celebrate the Torch Festival held in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan. [Photo/ Zhu Renyan]

A Chinese singer sang to celebrate the Torch Festival held in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan. [Photo/ Zhu Renyan]

A Chinese singer sings to celebrate the Torch Festival held in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan. [Photo/ Li Fuqing]

(Editors:Lynn, Minnie Mao)

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