What is it like to enjoy a concert amid terraced fields? The 2026 Millennium Yaozhai Terrace Music Festival (2026千年瑶寨梯田音乐节) is set to turn the terraces of Millennium Yaozhai in Liannan Yao Autonomous County, Qingyuan, into a unique open-air concert venue.
Nestled at an altitude of 808 meters, Millennium Yaozhai is a national 4A-level (China's second-highest rating) tourist attraction and home to 398 well-preserved ancient buildings dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also one of the largest and oldest Yao villages in the world.
Event Dates
Mid-Autumn Festival holiday: September 25–27
National Day holiday: October 1–6
Highlights: Terrace Music Festival, Yao folk song and dance performances, Yao Welcome Ceremony (October 2–5), traditional Long Drum performances and hands-on experiences, Yao wedding customs reenactments, bonfire parties (September 26 and October 1–5), farewell parade and other activities.
During the day, the terraced fields—recognized among Guangdong's Top 10 Most Beautiful Rice Terraces—unfold across the mountains. As night falls, the terraces light up and ethnic music ensembles take the stage, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Visitors can also watch Long Drum performances, enjoy Yao folk songs and dances, and experience traditional wedding customs. At the long-table banquet, they can sample local specialties such as Yao cured meat and bamboo tube rice.
Later in the evening, bonfires light up the square, where visitors can join the festivities and dance alongside local performers.
Travel Guide
For self-driving, navigate to "Liannan Millennium Yaozhai (连南千年瑶寨)." By bus, travel to Liannan (Lianzhou) Bus Station or the Shuizutang (水足塘) toll station, then take a ride-hailing service to the tourist attraction.
From October 1 to October 6 (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.), self-driving visitors should park at the free temporary parking lot at the foot of the mountain. Free shuttle buses will run between the parking lot and the village.
Performance schedules and activities are subject to change due to weather and on-site conditions. Please refer to arrangements at the venue.
Author | He Fengyu
Photos | Nanfang Plus
