At the edge of Dianchi Lake in Yunnan province, more than 700 athletes from around the world gathered last Thursday to kick off the second Traditional Sports International Festival.

Set against a backdrop of lush green mountains and clear waters, the event featured dragon and lion dances, Peking opera, martial arts, and traditional Yunnan ethnic performances. Athletes didn't just watch — they joined in, dancing alongside performers in a spirited celebration of Chinese culture.

The festival, which concluded on Monday in Kunming's ethnic square, offered a vivid showcase of traditions, including the music and dance of the Miao, Yi, Wa, and Lisu peoples. The closing ceremony ended with a bonfire party, capping off a week that brought together sports and cultural heritage for a global audience.

The event, organized by the All-China Sports Federation and co-hosted by International Sports Exchange Center of General Administration of Sport of China, Yunnan Provincial Sports Bureau, and Kunming Municipal People's Government, saw a significant increase in international participation this year.

Out of 723 athletes, 353 hailed from 27 countries and regions, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, the United States, Germany, Canada, Mexico, India, South Korea, and Japan.