The audience listens to Miao songs at a singing contest in Congjiang county on Nov 19. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Congjiang county in Guizhou province held its first ever contest for songs of the Miao ethnic group on Nov 17.

The contest was held in Donglang, Tingdong and Xishan towns, attracting Miao people living in the area to take to the stage and showcase their singing talents.

Singing is an indispensable part of the Miao lifestyle. The songs of different styles, soft and resounding, are sung on many occasions, to express the full gamut of emotions from happiness to sadness.

The county, located in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, is home to 19 ethnic groups, including Miao, Dong, Zhuang and Sui.

Singers of the Miao ethnic group perform at a singing contest in Congjiang county on Nov 19. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

Edited by Owen Fishwick