To celebrate the Lunar New Year, folk artists performed Da Shuhua in Puyang in north China's Hebei province on Feb. 17. Da Shuhua, which means striking tree flowers, is a traditional performance that originated 500 years ago in the province and has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage in China. /VCG Photo

It is said that two blacksmiths who could not afford fire crackers came up with Da Shuhua as a cheaper light show alternative about 300 years ago. At the time, only rich people could afford fireworks to celebrate festivals. /VCG Photo

Folk artists threw hot melt iron against cold walls to create a shower of sparks. Today, there are only four Da Shuhua performers, three of them over the age of 40. /VCG Photo