People of the Zhuang ethnic group perform the Maguai dance at the Maguai Festival. [Photo by Xiang Yanan/chinadaily.com.cn]

Maguai culture has been a flourishing tradition for the Zhuang people that live alongside the Hongshui River of Guangxi. Maguai in the Zhuang dialect is the name for frogs, which are considered sacred for the Zhuang ethnic group. In ancient times, the locals would dress up as frogs and dance to ask for a good harvest. The festival usually begins on the first day of the Lunar New Year and ends on the second day of February. A set of activities will be held during the festival, such as folk performances and folk games. The Maguai festival of the Zhuang ethnic group has been included as one of China's national intangible cultural heritages since May 20, 2005.