Although speed dating has soared in public popularity as an acceptable means of attaining romance in the helter-skelter pace of modern life, Luocheng Mulao autonomous county has its own matchmaking traditions that stretch back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Zou Po, which literally means "date on the hills", and unsurprisingly takes place on the undulating slopes around eastern Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is one enduring example of Mulao traditional folk culture.

The custom is centered on the highly-prized art of singing and takes place over three rounds spread across a span of days. The custom occurs twice a year, once during Chinese Spring Festival and the other during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The first gathering sees a unity of voices as men and women sing a series of traditional songs that express the excitement of engaging in the local practice and the hope of winning someone's heart.

Groups of young people of Mulao ethnic group sing Mulao folk songs in the hope of finding a partner. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

In the days following this first choral spectacle, individuals send gifts to those that tickled their fancy, tokens of affection may include handkerchiefs, mirrors, and cloth shoes.

A young man expresses his love to a woman through Mulao love songs. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The second round involves a pairing of men and women who then sing as a couple to deepen mutual understanding and create a sense of harmony.

The ultimate gathering serves as the decision making time for the couples and, with local residents in attendance, the loving future partners are presented and warmly wished a happy forever after.

A group of women sing love songs to express their feelings. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

In 2012 Zou Po was listed as the fourth collection of intangible cultural heritages of autonomous regions.

A lady offers a pair of cloth shoes to the man that has won her heart as a token of love. [Photo/Hechi Daily]