Encounter the Summer Feast of Caohai at 18°C

Torch Festival Celebration Night｜Stay at Lavande Hotel and Experience the Summer Feast of Caohai at 18°C As bonfires light up the night sky of the Wumeng Mountains and the ancient Yi song "Axilixi" echoes through the clouds, tens of thousands join hands to dance the Dati Dance—marking the grand opening of the Torch Festival in Weining! In this summer paradise with an average temperature of just 18.1°C, Lavande Hotel (Weining Caohai Railway Station branch) offers views of Caohai's shimmering waters and crane silhouettes from your window, while stepping outside immerses you in 360° ethnic festivities. Torch Festival Highlights: Complete Guide to July-August Celebrations Main Venue Festivities (County Town & Xueshan Town & Bandixiang) Mass Bonfire Celebrations (Every Friday and Saturday from July 29 to August 24): At the Ethnic Unity Square, the Yi "Bell Dance" resonates powerfully, the Miao "Miao Village Songs" are light and graceful, and the intangible cultural heritage drama "Cuotaiji" brings ancient legends to life. Finally, thousands gather around the bonfire to dance the Wumeng Song of Joy, with firelight illuminating every smiling face. Bandixiang Horse Racing Festival (July 26-28): During the day, the horse racing arena roars with cheers, while Yi-style wrestling, cockfighting, and stilt walking take turns to entertain. At night, a thousand-strong group dance by the pool accompanies a long-table feast filled with Zha wine, buckwheat pastries, and roasted black mountain goat—a feast for both the palate and the soul. Xueshan Grassland Sacred Fire Ceremony (July 21-22): At Zhuofu Grassland, the Bumo fire-worship ceremony takes place, featuring intertwined Sama and Moon Guitar dances. Black-necked cranes soar over the meadows, evoking a sense of traveling back to ancient Yi villages. Bonus Activities Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Experience (August 1-3 at Aoyuan Square): Create unique totem scarves with Yi-style batik and bring home the fiery patterns. Lavande Hotel: The Perfect Resting Spot for Torch Festival Revelry 5-Minute Access to the Torch Festival Core Area Located just across the street from Caohai Railway Station, the hotel is a mere 15-minute walk to the main venue at Ethnic Unity Square. After enjoying the late-night bonfire, you can return to tranquility without the hassle of finding transportation. Exclusive "Torch Festival View Rooms" High-floor rooms offer panoramic views of Caohai's sunset and the city skyline lit by festival fires. Soundproof glass ensures a peaceful night, while zero-pressure mattresses rejuvenate you after a day of festivities. Caohai Summer Exclusives: A Cool Escape and Crane-Watching Adventure Morning Mist Boating to Chase Crane Shadows Row a wooden boat into the depths of the reeds, where summer's lush aquatic plants spread like a green carpet. You might encounter early-migrating black-necked crane families (with a wingspan of 1 meter!), capturing "water ballet" moments with your camera. Buckwheat Flower Sea Cycling Rent a bike and ride along the lake. July is the peak bloom season for thousands of acres of buckwheat flowers, creating a Monet-like painting of white floral waves against the blue lake. Highland Cold Spring Chilled Watermelon Ask the boatman for a handful of Caohai cold spring water to chill local red-heart watermelons. The sweet and refreshing taste is a soul-stirring delight. Torch Festival Must-Try: Bonfire Pig Trotters! Maokui Old Pig Trotter Hotpot: Pig trotters simmered in sour soup are sticky and flavorful, paired with Torch Festival buckwheat wine for a hot-and-cold sensation (Duck Pond Checkpoint). Long-Table Feast Yi Zha Wine: At Bandixiang event site, sip fragrant Zha wine through bamboo straws, paired with roasted potatoes dipped in chili powder for a rustic charm. Second Sister's Everything-Stuffed Pancakes: After the bonfire, grab a hot pancake stuffed with spicy sauce, pickled vegetables, and ham—a carb-loaded comfort for the soul. 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary: A Symphony of Fire and Water Day 1: Torch Festival Fever 14:00 Check-in at Lavande Hotel → 16:00 Horse Racing/Wrestling at Bandixiang → 19:00 Long-Table Feast with Pig Trotters → 21:00 Mass Bonfire Dance Day 2: Caohai Healing Day 7:00 Jiangjiawan Pier to Watch Cranes Break Through the Mist → 9:00 Boating on Caohai and Eating Chilled Watermelon → 12:00 Yimai Xiang Ham Buckwheat Rice → 14:00 Batik Experience at Aoyuan Square → Return Trip As the evening breeze of Caohai brushes through your hair and the warmth of the bonfire lingers in your palms—standing by the window of Lavande Hotel, you finally understand the ancient Yi blessing: "The flames burn away the darkness, and the light illuminates the path to harvest." This summer, let Caohai and the Torch Festival witness your moments of revelry and tranquility. Lavande Hotel (Bijie Weining Caohai Railway Station Branch)