Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the cultural significance and vibrant celebration of the Yao ethnic group's traditional festival, the Panwang Festival, in Qingyuan, Guangdong, showcasing their unique heritage through music and dance [1][2]. Group 1: Cultural Significance - The Panwang Festival is the most important festival for the Yao people, where they gather to honor their ancestors and celebrate the harvest, with a dedicated holiday period of four days [1]. - The event features traditional performances, including the Yao long drum dance, which is integral to their cultural identity and is performed by both young and old members of the community [6][7]. Group 2: Community Participation - The festival attracts not only local participants but also visitors from outside, emphasizing the community's efforts to preserve and promote their cultural heritage [1][2]. - The involvement of younger generations in performances, such as the long drum dance, indicates a successful transmission of cultural practices and skills [6][7]. Group 3: Artistic Expression - The long drum dance incorporates movements inspired by daily life activities, reflecting the Yao people's connection to their environment and traditions [3]. - Innovations in the festival, such as fashion shows and new song and dance arrangements, demonstrate the evolving nature of Yao culture while maintaining its core values [6].

Group 1 - The closing ceremony of the 15th National Games took place on November 21 in Shenzhen, featuring the Yao ethnic group's long drum dance from Lianan Yao Autonomous County [2][3] - A 10-meter long giant drum, specially made for the performance, was showcased, highlighting the cultural charm of the Yao people [3][31] - The performance was executed by the Lianan National Song and Dance Troupe, with dancers wearing traditional Yao costumes and incorporating original Yao music [5][6] Group 2 - The long drum dance, known as "Ai Wang Du," has a history of over 1,000 years, originating from the migration of the Yao ancestors during the Sui and Tang dynasties [8][9] - The giant drum, weighing approximately 1,100 pounds and requiring ten young people to lift, was designed to enhance the stage effect and was the largest of its kind ever made [32][40] - The performance included exaggerated movements to ensure visibility from a distance, adapting traditional dance to suit the large stage of the closing ceremony [18][20] Group 3 - The music for the dance was selected from the original Yao dance drama "Yao Mountain That Touches Red," which reflects the Yao people's efforts in poverty alleviation and rural revitalization [25][27] - The long drum dance serves as an important medium for cultural exchange for Lianan, having been performed at various national and international events [56][57] - The preservation and promotion of the long drum dance have been supported by local cultural departments since 1990, leading to the training of new artists [49][51]