Dong people participate in a log raft parade on the Rongjiang River in Meilin Township of Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County in Liuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 1, 2014.

Residents of the Dong ethnic group in Meilin Township, a lumber producing area, used to ship lumber with log rafts along the Rongjiang River for sale in downstream cities including Wuzhou and Guangzhou. In the past, those who were involved in the lumber business usually underwent an arduous voyage due to the river's rapids and intricate underwater terrains. Their relatives and friends held mirthful farewell ceremonies to wish them a safe trip. With the development of modern transportation, local lumber dealers today no longer need to take risks when doing business, but the tradition of holding farewell ceremonies has evolved into log raft parades that serve as both a commemoration of the past and a new tourist attraction. (Xinhua/Li Bin)

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