Songkran in China: Water-Splashing Festival.

Every April, southern China comes alive with the joy and splashes of the Songkran Festival—also known as the Water-Splashing Festival. In places like Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province, this traditional Buddhist New Year celebration brings laughter, blessings, and soaked tourists. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing Songkran Festival in China like a local—with food, family, and plenty of water fights.

What Is the Water-Splashing Festival?

🗓 When: April 13–15
📍 Where: Celebrated in communities with Dai, Thai, Lao, and Burmese influence—especially in Xishuangbanna, known as “China’s Little Thailand”
💦 Why Water?: In Buddhist culture, water represents purity, renewal, and blessings. Splashing it washes away bad luck and welcomes a fresh start.

Bridge to Locals Tip: Gentle splashes are symbolic blessings—but once the festival kicks off, prepare to get very wet!

How Is Songkran Celebrated?

Day 1: Sand Pagodas & Floral Offerings

• Locals build sand stupas at temples and decorate them with flowers

• Offerings of fragrant water, incense, and fruit are made

• Elders’ hands are gently washed with scented water for blessings

Day 2: Let the Splashing Begin!

• Streets fill with water fights—kids, trucks, and sometimes elephants join in

• Locals wear traditional Dai outfits, with bright silks and silver jewelry

• Cultural parades, dances, and bustling night markets abound

Day 3: A Fresh New Year

• Families gather for feasts and quiet blessings

• In smaller villages, people reconnect and reflect on the year ahead

What Should You Do (and Avoid)?

✅ Do wear quick-dry clothes and sandals
✅ Do carry a waterproof pouch for your essentials
✅ Do smile—Songkran is all about joy and fun
✅ Do be respectful—especially toward monks, elders, and photographers

🚫 Don’t wear white or see-through clothing
🚫 Don’t splash babies, people with food, or those in prayer
🚫 Don’t expect to stay dry—hiding won’t help!

Bridge to Locals Tip: We’ve got you covered with ponchos, dry bags, a safe place to change, and yes—a water gun of your own.

What to Eat During Songkran

Sticky Rice in Bamboo (竹筒饭) – Slightly sweet glutinous rice steamed in bamboo
Dai-Style Grilled Fish (傣味烤鱼) – Lemongrass-stuffed and charcoal roasted
Banana Leaf Chicken (香茅鸡) – Fragrant and spicy chicken grilled in leaves
Iced Coconut Jelly (椰奶冻) – A cooling, sweet dessert after all the splashing

Bridge to Locals Tip: Join a local family for a Dai-style picnic under the palms—they might teach you to fold banana leaves or roast bamboo rice yourself.

❓ FAQs about the Songkran Festival

1. When is the Songkran Festival celebrated?
Usually April 13–15, aligned with the Buddhist New Year.

2. Where can I celebrate Songkran in China?
Primarily in Yunnan Province, especially in Xishuangbanna and Jinghong.

3. What does the water symbolize?
It’s for cleansing, blessing, and washing away bad luck.

4. Can foreigners join Songkran celebrations?
Absolutely! Just be respectful and ready to get soaked.

5. What should I wear to Songkran?
Quick-dry clothes, a waterproof pouch, and a big smile.

Why Celebrate Songkran Festival with Bridge to Locals?

At Bridge to Locals, we don’t just guide you through festivals—we invite you into the story. During Songkran, that story might start with learning to fold banana leaves in a family courtyard, then parading through town in a borrowed sarong, and end with soaked clothes and full hearts.

You'll splash water in village squares, prepare temple offerings with locals, and eat grilled fish while sitting cross-legged on woven mats. You may even find yourself sitting beneath a mango tree, sharing iced coconut jelly with new friends as an elder recounts Songkrans of the past—before the water guns and plastic tubs.

Because the real Songkran Festival isn’t just about getting drenched. It’s about laughter shared, blessings exchanged, and traditions passed from hand to hand—and into yours.

👉 Join Bridge to Locals this Songkran and make it your most meaningful water fight yet.