Performers of Dashuhua, or striking iron flowers, have started their performance in North China's Hebei province to welcome the incoming Chinese New Year, arriving Feb 16. [Photo by Zhang Yu/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Dashuhua, literally translated as "striking tree flowers", is a local art form in Yuxian county, Zhangjiakou in Hebei province. Performers throw hot melted iron against walls to create a shower of sparks, just like fireworks. The tradition has been preserved for more than 500 years.