Next: 13–15 Apr 2027 (Xishuangbanna); Dehong announced locally
泼水节
The Dai New Year is three days of ceremony that end in a town-wide water fight. In Jinghong the first day brings dragon-boat races on the Lancang (Mekong) River, the second a riverside market and a costumed parade, and on the last morning water is ritually drawn from the river before the splashing begins. Mangshi and Ruili in Dehong hold their own programs in mid-April, on dates announced locally each year.
How to join: In Jinghong, watch the boat races from the riverbank on the 13th, then on the 15th head for Water-Splashing Square 泼水广场 and the streets around it from late morning with a bucket or water pistol. Book rooms weeks ahead, as Jinghong prices rise for the festival. With children: the main splashing on the 15th soaks everyone, and the crowd around Water-Splashing Square gets very dense, so younger children may do better on a quieter side street or at a hotel's own splashing. Dress them in quick-dry clothes and strap sandals, agree a meeting point, and put a card with your phone number and hotel name in Chinese in each child's pocket. Can't make 13–15 April? The Dai Ethnic Park 傣族园 in Ganlanba stages splashing every day.
Etiquette: Water here is a blessing, so take a soaking with a smile, but don't splash monks, the elderly or anyone clearly not playing. Carry your phone and passport in a waterproof pouch.
Where: Xishuangbanna, Dehong
