Molten iron fireworks show amazes Guiyang locals

Datiehua, a molten iron fireworks show, was held in the square of the Incity Shopping Center in Yunyan district, Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province, on Jan 15, creating a festive atmosphere in the runup to the upcoming Lunar New Year.

Spectators recorded the wonderful moment with their phones.

A folk performance called Datiehua is given in Yunyan district on Jan 15, attracting many spectators. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network]

"It's the first time I've seen Datiehua. I've seen it on TV before. It's like setting off fireworks. It's even more amazing to see it with my own eyes. The flames and sparks are so spectacular," said a resident of Guiyang.

Datiehua is known as the oldest fireworks show, beginning in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and reaching its peak in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties.

Performers use shovels to throw high-temperature molten iron into the air, which shoot out iron flowers like stars all over the sky. In 2008, Datiehua was included in the national intangible cultural heritage list.

Xie Wanjin, a Datiehua performer from Haohuahong town, Huishui county in Qiannan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, said, "Datiehua has been a part of my life since I was 15 years old. It's been seven years now, and I am among the fourth generation to practice the art."

Xie said he hoped that the intangible cultural heritage can continue to grow and prosper.