A farmer uses traditional ploughing methods on Meiyuan Terrace. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently released recommendations for the fifth group to be added to China's national intangible cultural heritage and the ploughing ceremony of Meiyuan Terrace in Yunhe county, located in Lishui city, East China's Zhejiang province, was on that list.

The ceremony, marking the first plough of the year, is held annually during mangzhong, or Grain in Ear, the ninth of 24 solar terms.

The tradition is carried out to pray for the harvest in the forthcoming year.

It has been observed in Yunhe for more than 800 years.