The Dai people in southwest China have been celebrating their new year during the Water Splashing Festival (April 13-16), also known as Songkran Festival in some southeast Asian countries. Reporters from CGTN covered stories in a traditional Dai village in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

It's rare for the Dai people to dress in festive costumes, and dance together. But they are now doing both to celebrate the coming New Year on their calendar. 

Ai Guang, the village chief of Manliangsanle in Xishuangnanna, said, in ancient times, men and women danced separately, but now they all dance together, and he even thought their dancing techniques have improved. 

The subtropical climate provides an abundance of food choices for the Dai people. Here in the village, vegetables and some wild plants are served cold, along with minced beef, river shrimp and crab. 

Yu Jiao, a local villager, explains that the food they have during the festival is much better than what they usually have, when they have beef, chicken and other Dai specialties.

The Dais call themselves the people of water. At the dinner table, they chant the word "water" again and again. It's an expression of joy, as well as thanksgiving.

The Dais believe it’s the water that has bestowed them fertile land and good fortune. But if you ever attend such a festival don't be angry if you get drenched... It's a blessing in disguise. More water means more good luck for the coming year.