Double Ninth Festival

Double Ninth Festival, celebrated on the 9th day of the 9th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, began as early as the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC). According to the traditional Chinese yin/yang dichotomy that forms a basis to the Chinese world view, yin represents the elements of darkness, yang represents life and brightness, and Chong means double. The ninth day of the ninth month is a double yang day, so this festival also named "Chong Yang Jie." On this day, people will climb the highest mountains pinning the leaves of cornus on their clothes and drinking chrysanthemum wine. They believe these activities will be useful against possible disasters and evil spirits. For another thing, this day is to express they are missing their kinfolks. Also, it's a time for family get-togethers to remember one's ancestors, the sacrifices they made and the hardships they underwent. Family outings are organized to renew their appreciation of nature and to reaffirm their love and concern for family members and close friends. Nowadays this Festival in Yangshuo is not so popular as it was in the old days. But many people still celebrate it in the traditional way. They invite their relatives and friends together, drink at home or make a trip outside to see the water and mountains around Yangshuo.