Shanxi＇s Shehuo show believed to bring hope, good luck

People rise 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 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 dances, dragon dances, land-boat yangge and man-carrying performances. It is a big event to local people, and is believed to bring hope and good luck for the coming year.

A performer has a break during the rehearsal for the Shehuo show in the ancient city of Pingyao, North China's Shanxi Province Jan. 26, 2008.

Performers in traditional costumes rehearse for the Shehuo show in the ancient city of Pingyao, North China's ShanxiProvince Jan. 26, 2008.

A little performer walks during a rehearsal for the Sheuhuo show in the ancient city of Pingyao, North China's ShanxiProvince Jan. 26, 2008.

Performers in traditional costumes rehearse for the Shehuo show in the ancient city of Pingyao, North China's ShanxiProvince Jan. 26, 2008.

A man walks past fireworks in Nanzhuangcun village of north China's ShanxiProvince Jan. 26, 2008.

A craftsman shows his paper cutting work in the ancient city of Pingyao, North China's ShanxiProvince Jan. 26, 2008.