The Yuxian County Dashuhua (striking iron flowers), also known as "fire trees and golden flowers", originated and spread in the Nuanquan area of Yuxian County, Hebei Province. It began in the mid-Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 500 years. It is a traditional folk performance held during the Lantern Festival. In 2021, Yuxian County Dashuhua was included in the fifth representative list of national intangible cultural heritage.

Dashuhua performance

In ancient times, due to war and the flourishing ironworking industry in Nuanquan Ancient Town, blacksmiths melted scrap pig iron until molten and flung it against the city walls, creating bursts of brilliant sparks. This served as a substitute for fireworks to celebrate festivals and gradually developed into a fixed local custom, expressing people's hopes for prosperity, peace, and well-being.

Dashuhua is marked by its extraordinary, daring, and risky nature. Performers hold a specially crafted willow-wood ladle, scoop molten iron heated to about 1,600°C, and hurl it forcefully against the cold stone wall. The instant the molten iron hits the wall, it explodes into tens of thousands of golden sparks cascading like a blazing shower—an overwhelmingly spectacular sight often described as "Eastern iron fireworks".

Dashuhua performance

Recommended Place to Visit

Nuanquan Ancient Town

Nuanquan Ancient Town takes its name from its spring water, which "remains crystal clear and unfrozen even in deep winter". The ancient town walls, fortresses, and temples are well preserved, with key landmarks such as Nuanquan Academy, Xigubao Fortress and Huayan Temple showcasing authentic northern folk customs and traditional life. Among them, the Dashuhua performance is the soul of the ancient town, and the live production "Fire Trees and Golden Flowers" has become a regular featured show.

Nuanquan Ancient Town

Information of "Fire Trees and Golden Flowers" Show

Ticket price: Regular price CNY 168/person; CNY 138/person when purchased online.

Performance schedule: More frequent during major holidays such as Spring Festival, May Day, and National Day. Exact times are subject to scenic area announcements.

Inquiry phone: 0313–5685151