From country to country, Valentine's Day is celebrated in much the same way: lovers exchange flowers, chocolates, and presents.

But in the deep mountains of southern China, a distinctive ethnic group celebrates its day of romance in a way that is unlike any other. Their version of Valentine's Day dates back to thousands of years ago, and is much much older than the one we celebrate today.

Living in deep mountains of southern China, the people of Miao is probably one of the most unique ethnic minorities in the country. Hidden from the modern world, it produces some of China's best silver artisans, embroiderers, as well as batik artists.

Also, down through history, it had no written language until a few decades ago when the New China was built. And till this day, many people don't know how to write.

So, for their Valentine's Day, they don't write love letters. They have their own unique way to tell the other their love. And it's girls who make the first move.

Miao's Valentine's Day comes on March 13 each year on the Chinese lunar calendar. Girls get up early that day and go to nearby hills to pick flowers. The flowers are then used as coloring agents for the rice balls they are going to gift their dear ones. This way, the food can look pleasing to eyes and tasty to the taste buds. Usually there are five colors with different meanings: green pays tribute to their hometown, red indicates prosperity of their village, yellow symbolizes good harvest, blue stands for wealth, and white, a pure love for lifetime.

Early the next day, the girl invites her favored young man to catch fish and shrimp together. In the afternoon, they go to buy a duck and some duck eggs for the dinner. Ducks indicate love that never separates, even 'by a broad river'.

In the evening, after the young man change clothes, he comes to the house of the girl and dine with her families. This allows the family to know better of their future son-in-law.

After the meal, the girl and the young man go out to sing. The girl will be dressed in colorful costume and an extravaganza set of silver jewelry to attract her loved one. The romance lasts till late night.