Young Miao women dress up in embroidered traditional costumes as well as kilograms of silver headwear. /CFP Photo

They also cook a “sisters’ meal” of colorful sticky rice dyed with wild flowers and leaves, catering to their family, neighbors, and most importantly, the men they fancy. /CFP Photo

Young Miao men meanwhile engage in song battles to receive a “sister’s meal” and win a Miao lady’s heart. /CFP Photo

More than a festival for lovers, the whole village participates, dancing to Lusheng music and enjoying buffalo fighting. The festival usually falls from the 15th to 17th day of the third lunar month -- April 11-13 this year. /CFP Photo