Splashing out to celebrate tradition

Apart from the water fun, visitors enjoyed a grand parade along major streets in Jinghong with flower-decorated float processions and performances of traditional Dai dance.

In other communities, residents in vibrant Dai ethnic costumes performed traditional dance before engaging in friendly water wars.

This year, Xishuangbanna has introduced helicopter rides for aerial views of the water battles, and invited internet influencers to share their experiences under trending hashtags so that more people can experience the joy of water.

"It's where tradition dances with today, and everyone from different ethnic groups and nationalities, becomes family," Chen Xuanliang, head of Xishuangbanna's publicity department, says.

As the festivities continue into early May in the province, the echoes of laughter reverberate will attract more and more visitors.