Singing, style and structures will be showcased when ethnic groups from southwest China's Guizhou Province hold festivals around the time of the country's National Day on Oct. 1.

Showing off the groups' cultural jewels, the festivals will feature music, dance, fashion, bullfighting and constructions of the Miao and Dong minorities, according to information released by a recent conference on tourism held by the Qiandongnan Prefecture in Guizhou.

Many of the ethnic groups, particularly the Miao and Dong ethnic groups, have rare and unique dress styles, ornaments, handicrafts and arts.

Miao musicians from the United States will be on hand to play Lusheng, folk musical instruments made of several bamboo pipes. A six-meter Lusheng will be displayed at the festival.

Seminars will be held on Gulou, drum towers, and Dongzu Da Ge, ethnic singing of the Dong people.

Gulou, special towers made of wood without the aid of nails, are symbols of Dong villages. Architects consider their construction as invaluable.

Dongzu Da Ge is renowned as multi-voice singing without accompaniment, and acclaimed as music like a "glittering fountain."

Ethnic groups make up about 76 percent of the population in Qiandongnan Prefecture, which is one of 18 worldwide natural reserves designated by an international foundation for the protection of folk culture.

( Xinhua News Agency September 15, 2002)