1 / 4   Many of the traditional activities before and during Spring Festival serve as occasions to pray for a good harvest and good fortune. In the north of China, another celebration called "Wushehuo" is held after the Chinese New Year for the same reasons. /VCG Photo

2 / 4   Residents in Benxi, northeast China's Liaoning Province, donned Peking Opera costumes and gathered as they do every year to wish for prosperity in the upcoming year. /VCG Photo

3 / 4   “Shehuo” literally translates to “Earth and Fire” and refers to performances that accompany a Peking Opera show. /VCG Photo

4 / 4   The annual remembrance of this tradition is aimed at preventing the local heritage and folk customs from disappearing. /VCG Photo.