Shehuo in Shanxi

People raise a Kongming lantern for good wishes in the ancient city of Pingyao, north China's Shanxi Province, Jan. 26, 2008.

As a part of the series of activities for the upcoming lunar New Year, Shanxi's Shehuo show began on Saturday.

Shehuo, evolved through history and matured in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, is a kind of variety show performed outdoors by local farmers during the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival (the 15th of the first lunar month in Chinese calendar).

The show includes stilt-walking, horse-riding, lion dance, dragon dance, land-boat dance and man-carrying performances.

(Source: Xinhua)