Editor's Note:
Let the sparks fly! Performers create spectacular spark displays with splashes of molten iron fireworks in NW China’s Gansu Province. The ancient art of Datiehua, or “Beat the iron flowers,” is traditionally performed to celebrate the Spring Festival. (Photos: Xinhua)
Sparks rain down on performers during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. The folk art dates back to the Spring-Autumn and Warring States Period (770 BC - 221 BC). 
Sparks spew from a furnace during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. Such performances reached their peak in popularity during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties as a way for local blacksmiths to show off the strength of their iron works. They were also performed to celebrate holidays and other festive occasions. Photo: Xinhua 
Performers watch as sparks spew from a furnace during a “beat the iron flower” show in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. Photo: Xinhua 
The Wang family of Yongjing county has preserved this folk art locally for more than 600 years. Photo: Xinhua 
Sparks rain down on performers during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. The Wang family’s folk art was listed as a Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008 and included in the National Cultural Heritage List in November 2014. Photo: Xinhua 
Sparks rain down on performers during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. The art includes pouring molten iron as hot as 1,700 C into a mortar-like pipe. The pipe is then struck repeatedly, making the molten iron splash upward for a dazzling effect. Photo: Xinhua 
A crowd watches in the distance during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. Photo: Xinhua 
Sparks fly during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. Traditionally, the performances are held to usher in blessings for everything from good harvests to thriving business. The latter association comes from the Chinese word for flower, hua, which rhymes with fa, or “fortune.” Photo: Xinhua 
Sparks fly during a “beat the iron flower” performance in Yongjing county, Northwest China’s Gansu Province on February 8. The Wang family’s performances have recently sparked back to life following a 20-year hiatus. Photo: Xinhua 
Yongjing county and the Wang family have since revived the tradition by holding large “beat the iron flower” performances during the holidays. Photo: Xinhua
