The old fashioned spinning top whirled its way into the playground of a primary school in Nandan county, Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The first ethnic-featured athletic cultural festival was held at the Yao ethnic primary school in Nandan county on Dec 7, attracting more than 60 of the best student "spinning toppers" from around the region.

Tops have been spun in Guangxi for more than 300 years, with the activity a must for Yao ethnic people during festivals.

Traditionally, a "top", a type of weighted conical shape, is set in motion with the aid of a rope or string being coiled around it and then quickly pulled free, creating the "spin". There are many different types of tops and spinning styles, such as those which require a twist of the fingers or a twirl of the wrist.

Pupils spin tops at the first ethnic-featured athletic cultural festival, held at the Yao ethnic primary school in Nandan county on Dec 7. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Source from China Daily