On July 26, a grand Guozhuang dance event was held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Gannan Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Luqu county of Gannan, Gansu province.

People perform Guozhuang dance at a local festival in Luqu county, Gannan Tibet autonomous prefecture, Northwest China's Gansu province, on July 26. [Photo/gsjb.com]

Twenty-three teams participated in a fierce competition of Guozhuang dance at the event, which saw the Luqu grasslands come alive with many other themed activities, including a thousand-people Guozhuang dance performance, fireworks, a bonfire and folk music performances.

[File photo provided to gogansu.com]

Guozhuang dance is a folk dance popular in Tibetan areas. The dancing style portrays local people's lives, such as feeding animals and making wine. It also showcases traditional Tibetan dress.

For generations, the culture of Guozhuang dance in Luqu has linked Tibetan groups. Every year, the hot summer month of July is a joyous time in which Luqu hosts a Guozhuang dance show.

[File photo provided to gogansu.com]

Since 2012, Guozhuang dance enthusiasts from Tibet autonomous region, Yunnan, Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces have come together on the vibrant grasslands of Luqu to sing and dance in a circle, praise life, envision the future, and celebrate the flourishing era.

[File photo provided to gogansu.com]

The annual event has been developed into a major platform for promoting regional economic development, facilitating exchange and cooperation, strengthening ethnic unity and boosting cultural tourism.