( CNN ) -- China 's state-run media has waded into the snarling debate between dog meat aficionados and activists , instead advocating peaceful ways to get their respective messages across . An editorial published in the People 's Daily says `` dogs are friends as well as food '' and calls for calm and understanding from both dog-eaters and dog-lovers . The annual dog meat and lychee festival held in Yulin , Guizhou to celebrate the summer solstice has sparked heated debate between animal rights activists and dog meat-eaters . Dog meat is traditionally considered a delicacy in parts of China , including the southern Chinese province of Guizhou where the festival dates back hundreds of years . Animal rights activists say dogs are part of the daily diet here , with an estimated 10,000 dogs killed for the festival alone , their meat selling for up to $ 6 a kilogram . The festival has triggered outrage amongst pet-lovers in China , who deem the festival cruel and unethical . The state-run People 's Daily says the physical clashes between dog-eaters and lovers that have been reported are regrettable situations that should be avoided . The editorial cites a series of works created by the celebrated monk Master Hong Yi and pioneering ink cartoonist Feng Zikai , in which images and poetry are used to persuade people not to harm living things . The works are held as an example of a peaceful way for activists to convince dog-eaters of their position . The writer also cites a personal childhood anecdote in which his uncle decided to bury the dead family dog instead of eating it , despite the lack of meat in the family 's diet at the time . His uncle explained that the dog had been with the family for so long that it was `` half a man . '' But not everyone shares this view of dogs , the writer emphasizes . `` Truly civilized behavior is to be endeared by opposing opinions and to respect ecological diversity , do n't you think ? '' the piece asks . The Global Times , an English newspaper published by the People 's Daily , explains that the majority of Chinese society is not keen on eating dog meat , while anti-dog meat sentiment is originally a Western influence that is growing alongside the trend of keeping pets in China 's urban areas .
Dog meat and lychee are eaten to celebrate the summer solstice in Guizhou . Hide Caption 3 of 7 Photos:China's growing appetite for dog meat Chinese state media call for activists to promote their message in peaceful ways .