Spanning September 9 to 15, residents from southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region spend long hours along lakes and rivers, bathing in the crisp clear water, celebrating the annual Bathing Festival. /Chinanews Photo

The Bathing Festival, which has a history of over 800 years, falls in the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar. According to Tibetan meteorology, water is believed to be the cleanest, sweetest and softest during this time of the year. /Chinanews Photo

To celebrate the occasion, Tibetan residents gather to bathe in the river, wash clothes and simply play in the water. /Chinanews Photo

Locals believe that the water can not only cleanse the body and soul, but also prevent illness. /Chinanews Photo