Drumbeats echoed across the highlands as the traditional glutinous rice cake pounding contest burst into life at the Mu Cang Chai commune stadium in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai.

Held within the framework of the 2026 panpipe festival, and the wild Himalayan cherry blossoms festival, the event drew large crowds of local residents and visitors, creating a lively and colourful festive atmosphere.

Teams from villages in Mu Cang Chai and neighboring communes took part in the contest.

Right after the opening drum signal, artisans and contestants moved in perfect rhythm, skillfully preparing fragrant upland glutinous rice, pounding it into a smooth, elastic dough, and shaping it into round cakes amid cheers from the audience.

More than a competition, the event became a vibrant space for ethnic communities to meet, connect, and strengthen solidarity./.