The Guizhou Baili Azalea Festival kicked off with a worship ceremony for the "flower god" at Balilidujuan Scenic Spot, Bijie, Guizhou province on March 28, attracting a large number of visitors.

During the festival, the scenic spot will also launch the Bailidujuan World Music Festival and the first Bailidujuan Night Tour of the Flower Sea.

The worship ceremony for the "flower god". [Photo/cri.cn]

In Guizhou, azaleas are considered holy flowers by the Yi people, and the "flower god" worship ceremony has become an important event for them.

The mystical ceremony serves as an excellent showcase for the unique customs of the Yi people.

The worship ceremony for the "flower god". [Photo/cri.cn]

Located in the center of Bijie city in northwestern Guizhou province, Bailidujuan Scenic Spot is a national forest park and national ecological tourism demonstration area, and is among the top ten most attractive tourist destinations in Guizhou province.

It has been given the honorary name of "Ribbon of the Earth, Garden of the World", and has a section of azaleas spanning 125.8 square kilometers and containing more than 40 tourist attractions.

The flowering period for the azaleas is expected to last from mid-March to late May.

An aerial photo of Bailidujuan Scenic Spot. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]