(XINHUA)

Ethnic Qiang villagers in Wenchuan County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, dress up in traditional costumes to celebrate the coming New Year of the Qiang calendar on November 2.

November 3 represents the start of another year for this population of over 300,000 people. It is a time to celebrate harvests, send blessings, and pray for peace. According to tradition, the whole village gathers together over a meal and in worship of their respective gods.

Wenchuan County was struck by a big earthquake on May 12, 2008 that caused widespread devastation. However, much has been done to place the area back on its feet.