Zhaoxing Dong Village in Liping county, Guizhou province put on traditional singing performances and participated in a road blocking rite for visitors on June 27.

Dressed in ethnic costumes and accompanied by traditional wooden instruments, a group of the Dong ethnic group performed typical folk songs on the day.

The road blocking rite involves the host putting up barriers in the middle of the road and singing songs. Only when the guests respond in antiphonal style can the barriers be removed. The peculiar tradition was once used as a way for unmarried girls and boys to get familiar with each other.

Home to a rich Dong ethnic culture, Liping county is among the most characteristic and well preserved rural areas of China.

Girls of the Dong ethnic group put barriers in the middle of the road and preparing for a road blocking rite. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]