Customs in Pingxiang, Guangxi

Pingxiang, as an area where Zhuang people live in compact communities, also has its unique national customs, among which Gepo Festival of Zhuang people is a popular national festival. The local song fair is commonly called "Gepo", which means "Shan Ye Song Club" in Zhuang language. Its origin began in the Ming Dynasty, prevailed in the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China, and has continued to this day. Especially after the reform and opening up, the people's living standards have been greatly improved, and the Gepo Festival has further developed, from a spontaneous "small-scale" to an organized large-scale song concert, with colorful programs and some places organized.

The Gepo Festival in Pingxiang begins on the 29th day of the first lunar month and ends at the end of August 19. Every month, there is a "Gepo Festival" in a place, and the dates of songs in different villages are different. Generally, it is held in turn. From spring to autumn, such a long song festival is rare in other places. Every time a concert is held, the village where the concert is held is very lively, and everyone kills pigs and sheep. The enthusiasm of the host is no less than that of the Spring Festival. People you know or don't know will be their guests. Just like the Lantern Festival in the north, people will ask questions, make friends and love each other in the village, or go to the hillside, lawn, threshing floor and big trees to express their opinions. People attending the concert vary greatly in age, ranging from people in their seventies to young men and women in their teens. The content of folk songs is also very extensive. At the concert, everyone will sing friends, express their feelings with songs, praise the party, sing their own voices, sing the hope of spring and sing the fruits of autumn!