Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is an area in China which is steeped in ethnic diversity.

For somewhere so blessed with different tradition and culture, one practice that stands for being particularly unique is that of the Maguai Festival.

Held in spring each year by Zhuang ethnic people, the Maguai Festival involves the worship of frogs to pray for peace, harmony, and a good harvest for the upcoming year.

Zhuang people perform a plowing dance as part of the Maguai Festival held in rural Donglan, Hechi, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Feb 24. [Photo by Liu Tingzhi/news.cn]

The reason that frogs have been chosen as the subjects for devotion is that to the Zhuang people frogs are deemed as incarnations of gods, representing prosperity and wealth.

Donglan county in Hechi is home to large numbers of Zhuang people in relation to the rest of China, and so on Feb 24 a Maguai Festival was held.

Hundreds gathered to take part in the frog-inspired activities, with singing and dancing creating a party-like atmosphere, full of hope and optimism for the year to come.

Zhunag people gather to pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year, they chant to the rhythm of handmade bronze drums. [Photo by Liu Tingzhi/news.cn]

The ancient times more activities would take place, with people dressing up as frogs and worshipping their statues. But today things are more practical and focused on crafts and farming activities, closer to resembling the real everyday lives of Zhuang people.

Donglan county has made great efforts to preserve and promote Zhuang customs in recent years, including making sure festivals such as Maguai are held every year.

The Maguai Festival of Zhuang ethnic group was listed as one of China's national intangible cultural heritages in 2005.

Traditional spinning and weaving is performed to promote traditional craftsmanship. [Photo by Liu Tingzhi/news.cn]