Culture
2026.02.25 16:29 GMT+8

Bridal sedan chair performances bring festive cheer to Ningxia

Updated 2026.02.25 16:29 GMT+8
CGTN

Rooted in ancient sacrificial rites, Shehuo has evolved over the centuries into a vibrant folk celebration held during Chinese New Year, and remains especially popular in northwest China. During the holiday this year, a series of lively Shehuo performances were staged in the Shapotou District of Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, drawing crowds with their rich traditions and joyful atmosphere.

Among the highlights was the Tai Hua Jiao, which means "raising the bridal sedan chair" in Chinese, a folk performance derived from traditional Chinese wedding customs. The dance recreates the scene of carrying a bride's sedan chair, blending cultural symbolism with theatrical expression. Performers shift between steady, rhythmic lifting and playful, exaggerated movements, creating moments of laughter and energetic interaction that enliven the entire performance.

Traditional Chinese wedding rituals are known for their completeness and exuberant spirit, with an emphasis on celebration and communal joy. As an important expression of this heritage, the bridal sedan chair has long been an essential element of wedding festivities, symbolizing happiness and good fortune. Transformed into a folk dance through generations of practice, Tai Hua Jiao captures this spirit through movements that alternate between smooth stability and lively bouncing, turning time-honored customs into a festive spectacle.

Through performances like these, Shehuo continues to pass down cultural memory, infusing Spring Festival celebrations with color, warmth and a strong sense of community.

Copyright © 

RELATED STORIES