He then got drunk and then threatened to beat the local to death when they met.

The local returned, and then fought and killed the subordinate.

Irate, the god then sent pests to eat away people's crops.

The local and other Yi people then tried in vain to get rid of the pests before finally managing to do it with torches.

During the festival, the Yi people hold torches to celebrate their success in eradicating the pests, pray for good harvests, and sing and dance around a bonfire through the night.

There is also an event to choose the most handsome youngmen and the most beautiful young women. Contestants sing, dance and wear their best costumes, providing a visual treat to the audience.

If you go

Xichang can be reached by a six-hour bus ride or 12-hour train trip from Chengdu, the capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province.