(Source: CGTN)

China's Miao ethnic group kicked off their annual Tiaohua festival on Sunday. Each year, the event's striking sights and sounds attract spectators from all over the world. 

Singing and dancing in typical Miao style, to the sound of a traditional wind instrument called Lusheng. People from around the world gathered in Huachang village in southwest China's Guizhou province, on Sunday to witness the cultural celebration.

Tiaohua festival is a traditional occasion for young men and women to hunt for their Mr. or Mrs. Right. Dressed exquisitely in ethnic costumes, girls and boys perform for attention.  According to custom, the activities should be held in a large open space centered around trees that are decorated with flowers.

"Tiaohua Festival is of great significance to us. Every year this place attracts Miao people from all regions. Many are girls and boys that are 17 to 18 years old. When they find their true love, they can go home together," Local resident Zhou Dan said.

The festival also attracts international tourists, who become mesmerized with the rich cultural scenes and the hospitality of the local people .

More festival rituals will be performed in the coming days. Organizers say that as many as 100,000 people are expected to visit the event.