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.(Xinhua Photo/Jiang Hongjing)
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