Ethnic Miao people start the New Year with bullfighting

The ethnic Miao people are marking the third day of their New Year celebrations.

The ethnic Miao people are marking the third day of their New Year celebrations. In Guizhou province, where they mainly live, the year starts with a traditional event to get the blood racing - bullfighting. It's an important part of Miao culture, and has a history of thousands of years.

The bulls here are grouped mainly by their age and chest circumference. These are important ways to assess their strength levels. Only two bulls fight at a time, and in short bursts.

"And the winners will continue fighting till there is a champion," said Yu Guanghai, commentator of Leishan county bullfight association.

Some bulls are gentle, while others are more fierce. Some are unwilling to retreat after their fight, and the owner and staff must together coax it to leave. Although it is raining here, there are tourists from all over the country around the ring.

"It's my first time watching a bull fight. I have brought my children as well. The main purpose is for them to experience an ethnic minority's traditional festival," said You Yanping, tourist.

"Listening to the commentary, I can understand the fight. The loser always runs away. It is relatively simple. There is only one round. Some are quick, but others are slow," said Zeng Weihu, tourist.

About 30 bulls will be fighting it out today. And the owner of the last one standing will be awarded 30,000 Yuan. In the coming three days, there will be another three bull fights on this ground. It enriches ethnic Miao people's New Year celebration.