Traditional Shehuo parade held in NW China's Xining (1/10)

Over 500 villagers take part in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

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.

It is a folk custom in multiple forms consisting of dragon dance, lion dance, Yangko dance, drum playing and other folk performances that may vary in different regions.

People walk on stilts in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

People walk on stilts in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

A villager taking part in a Shehuo performance interacts with the audience in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

Lion dance is performed in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

Over 500 villagers take part in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

Over 500 villagers take part in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

Over 500 villagers take part in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

Over 500 villagers take part in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)

Lion dance is performed in a Shehuo performance in Xining, Qinghai province, Jan. 29, 2023. (Photo: China News Service/Ma Mingyan)