Source: CCTV.com

02-03-2009 09:51

The ethnic Qiang people living in southwest China's Sichuan province is good at hunting traditionally, and they celebrate the spring festival holiday with a hunting festival.

The hunting festival was launched on the fifth day of the first lunar month.

The hunting festival was launched on the fifth day of the first lunar month. In Aba Qiang autonomous prefecture, residents from neighboring villages converged on Qu Gu village to celebrate the occasion.

Worshiping the tree god marked the start of the event. Then came the highlight of the festival: the shooting competition. Young male members of the community shot with traditional bows and arrows. Sheep made of dough were their target instead of live animals, in an effort to protect the environment. The young men were excited about their chance to hunt.

Young male members of the community shot with traditional bows and arrows.

A villager said, "This is my first prey with a bow and arrow in my whole life!"

The ethnic festival attracted tourists from far and wide.

A tourist said, "I feel an optimistic attitude from these villagers."

Aba Qiang autonomous prefecture was also hit by the Sichuan earthquake last May.

People here used the jubilant festival to celebrate their tradition, as well as express their desire for a future. The festival included other sporting activities for both residents and tourists.

Click for more news in Culture Express>>

Editor:Zhao Yanchen