A man of the Miao ethnic group plays the reed flute in Rongshui Miao Autonomous County of southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, December 17, 2009, as the Miao people welcome their new year according to their own calendar. People of different ethnic groups in the surrounding areas gathered in Liujin Village of Rongshui County to observe the festival with Lusheng dances, folk songs, etc. from Thursday. The observing activities will last for over ten days successively in different villages. [Xinhua]

Girls of the Miao ethnic group perform Lusheng dance in Rongshui Miao Autonomous County of southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, December 17, 2009, as the Miao people welcome their new year according to their own calendar. [Xinhua]