Millennium-old folk custom &Tower Burning Ritual&lights up Guangzhou

摘要：On the evening of October 6th, many citizens and tourists gathered at Langtou Ancient Village in Tanbu Town, Huadu District, Guang

On the evening of October 6th, many citizens and tourists gathered at Langtou Ancient Village in Tanbu Town, Huadu District, Guangzhou, to jointly participate in the "Hay Tower Burning Ritual," a folk custom that has persisted for over a thousand years. "Hay Tower Burning," also called "Fan Tower Burning," involves pouring dry grass and firewood into a brick-and-tile tower, then setting it alight, with salt thrown onto intensify the flames. At the height of the blaze, flames shot into the sky, drawing exclamations and cheers from the crowd—after all, "the more sparks fly and the higher the flames, the better the luck in the coming year."

That night, lantern riddles, traditional Chinese cultural experiences, and other activities were held simultaneously, fully heightening the traditional festival atmosphere. Many tourists came specifically to soak in the festive mood. "It's my first time celebrating Mid-Autumn here, seeing the 'Hay Tower Burning Ritual' and reading lantern riddles. The traditional vibe is so authentic," said an excited tourist from Fujian Province. "Everyone is so warm and friendly. Watching the fire blaze, I have more hope for the future. This trip is more than worth it."

"The Mid-Autumn 'Hay Tower Burning Ritual' in Tanbu Town has been passed down since the end of the Yuan Dynasty. In nearly 20 villages that still preserve the custom, each 'Hay Tower' has its own unique character," said Huang Zhiyun, Party Branch Secretary of Langtou Ancient Village. He explained that this event is not only a hope for good fortune, but also carries the wisdom and emotions of ancestors, as well as respect for traditional culture. Before the Mid-Autumn Festival every year, Huang leads villagers in preparing materials and designing lantern riddles, all to carefully pass on this heritage.