Explore New Year festivities in Taierzhuang ancient town

Taierzhuang ancient town in East China’s Shandong province is feeling rather festive in the run-up to the Spring Festival, as a series of lively activities and folk culture shows are being staged.

Here are some of the must-see performances.

1. Dragon dance in the air

A stunning dragon dance is performed in the air in Taierzhuang ancient town. [Photo/WeChat account: FM950950]

Dragon dancers offer up a thrilling show in which they climb up to the top of an eight-meter pole.

Performance date: Jan 1 to Feb 8

Performance time: 11:30-11:36; 15:00-15:06; 16:30-16:36; 20:30-20:36

Venue: Fuxing Square

2. Dashuhua (literally “creating tree flowers”)

“Fireworks” created by sparks of molten iron dazzle spectators in Taierzhuang ancient town. [Photo/WeChat account: FM950950]

The 500-year old art of Dashuhua was started by blacksmiths who could not afford expensive fireworks. Scrap iron is liquefied at temperatures of 1,600 C to resemble fireworks.

Performance time: 21:00-21:05

Venue: Chedalu Square

3. Stilt-walking

A Stilt-walking performance is given in Taierzhuang ancient town, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: FM950950]

Stilt walking is a popular traditional performance art in China.

Performance date: Jan 1 to Feb 8

Performance time: 10:10-10:25; 11:15-11:30; 15:30-15:45; 16:30-16:45

Venue: West Gate of Taierzhuang ancient town

4. Emperor Qianlong parade in Taierzhuang ancient town

Performers dressed in traditional costumes reproduce the scene of Emperor Qianlong (1711-99) touring Taierzhuang ancient town in ancient times. [Photo/WeChat account: FM950950]

Time: 10:30 (close on Tuesdays)

Parade route: West Gate – Tianhou Palace – Dayamen Street – West Gate

5. Victory of Taierzhuang Battle drum play

A powerful drum show is staged in Taierzhuang ancient town. [Photo/WeChat account: FM950950]

Taierzhuang ancient town is the site of the Battle of Taierzhuang, an important victory during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The drum show demonstrates the indomitable and tenacious character of the Chinese people.

Performance time: 11:30; 16:30