Flocking to an eagle's lair

Ethnic Gelao people entertain visitors with dance, music and drinks during their bird-worshiping celebration. [Photo By Peng Nian/CFP]

Earlier, the bird-worshiping ceremony would be held in a grand manner every 12 years, whenever the Chinese zodiac marked the Year of the Rooster. But lately, annual household celebrations apart (like the one on Feb 1), priests chant hymns, ring bells and burn incense sticks in the village square more frequently for large groups of visitors.

The ceremonies are accompanied by local stage performances, shopping and other forms of entertainment for tourists.

A chestnut tree in Yaoshang that the villagers call the "magic tree" carries signage in English and Chinese, saying it is another site for worship.

"Whenever our children fall ill or behave badly, we bring them here to worship the tree," says Yu Anhua, a former head of the village. "They often get better or behave well afterwards. It is very mystical but we revere the tree like it is a father."

To fully understand the villagers' dedication to nature, one would have to visit a family here.

The wooden houses have bird-like patterns on rooftops as a symbol of respect. The gable of every house is constructed in such a way so as to leave room for birds to make their nests.

"Nobody ever drives away swallows from our homes," Yu says. "We call this part of the house 'home of a swallow'. We welcome them to come and stay because it is a blessing for us."

Tracing the Gelao people's love of nature to the philosophy of harmony, he explains that the mountain has a calming effect on humans that helps them live in peace not just with their neighbors but also with the environment.