Thousands of twins from across China joined a lively festival - covering their faces with soot.

Footage shows the families dancing together with their faces and clothes smeared with black charcoal soot at Mojiang Hani Autonomous County in Yunnan province on April 15.

The Hani ethnic group from the area called 'Land of Twins' celebrated the Hani Sun Festival - and the International Twins Festival, which was usually celebrated in the month of May - with an energetic group dance.

Apart from the locals, tourists also come from all over the country for the special occasion.

The Hani Sun Festival, also known as the Kuzhazi Festival, is an annual festival celebrated by the Hani ethnic minority group. The festival celebrates the sun and gives thanks for a good harvest. It has origins in sun worship and agriculture.