Performers attend a Shehuo parade celebrating the Lantern Festival in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up.
The Shehuo parade, a time-honored performance enjoying widespread popularity in rural areas across China, originated from ancient sacrificial activities to pray for a good harvest about 2,000 years ago.
Later on, as dancing and singing performances were absorbed into the parade, it gradually evolved into a folk custom staged during the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, believed to remove bad luck and bring a fresh start in the new year.
The Shehuo folk performance in Baoji made it onto the list of China's national intangible cultural heritage in 2006. And the local Shehuo performance in Longxian County has continued to glow with vitality in inheritance and innovation in recent years. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers attend a Shehuo parade in Sanliying Village in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 9, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up.(Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
A villager helps a performer put on costumes for a Shehuo parade in Huanghuayu Village of Longxian County, Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 11, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers attend a Shehuo parade celebrating the Lantern Festival in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers select props for a Shehuo parade in Beiguan Village of Longxian County, Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 10, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
People watch a Shehuo parade celebrating the Lantern Festival in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers attend a Shehuo parade celebrating the Lantern Festival in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
A performer attends a Shehuo parade in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 9, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers attend a Shehuo parade in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 9, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
A young performer helps his teammate arrange costumes in Liuqu Village of Longxian County, Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 9, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
People watch a Shehuo parade celebrating the Lantern Festival in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers attend a Shehuo parade in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 11, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers attend a Shehuo parade celebrating the Lantern Festival in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 12, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
Performers rehearse a Shehuo parade in Longxian County of Baoji City, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Feb. 10, 2025. Longxian County, referred to as Long Zhou in the old days, is well-known for the local Shehuo parade featuring authentic and inclusive performance and simple yet exquisite facial make-up. (Xinhua/Zou Jingyi)
