'Beating' a deity statue for good luck

Beating a rock statue of Buddha to wish for a good new year and an abundant harvest, villagers in China's eastern Fujian province have a unique way of worshipping the deity.

The religious ceremony held on Friday in Yuxi village is one of many in the run up to the traditional Lantern Festival, which fell on Saturday this year.

It is a time for colorful ceremonies in the coastal province, where the Hakka people have maintained folk traditions.