Molten iron fireworks shows add sparkle to town in Hebei

His straw hat is specially designed with a wide downward brim so sparks will roll down without burning the hat.

But the high-risk tradition is still a game for the brave.

During a performance a few years ago, Wang suffered severe burns on his leg.

"It took me two months to recover," he says.

He still bears the scars from the burns.

An intangible cultural heritage of Hebei province, the show is per-formed only in Nuanquan, which was founded in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) as a garrison for Beijing.

Then, the iron-making industry flourished in the township as it was a base for making weapons. And blacksmiths drew inspiration from the sparks and amused themselves by throwing molten iron at walls during the festive season.

Both Wang's father and grandfather were blacksmiths.

"I learned the craft from my father. When I was young, I thought it was exciting. But years later I also felt it was my responsibility to pass it on to the next generation," he says.

"I have two sons, and I made my younger son learn the craft. He has to learn. Otherwise, it will be lost."

Though Wang's son, 22, has mastered the skill, he has not performed in public yet.

The art of Dashuhua requires extraordinary courage, skill and strength. A single spoonful of iron weighs more than two kg.

"When I scoop the iron from the pot, I do not go too deep. Otherwise, the molten iron will explode because of the contrast in temperature between the spoon and the hot iron," Wang De says.

Wang performs at night on weekends from May to October and during the month when Spring Festival takes place. He earns 300 yuan ($44.6) per show.

On weekdays, he attends his corn field.

Speaking about the performance, village official Duan Yujiang says it takes years of practice to reach Wang's level.

The molten iron fireworks performances, which were once a show for the poor who could not afford fireworks, has now become a major tourist attraction.

And Wang hopes the revival of the tradition will bring more visitors to his hometown in Zhangjiakou, also the co-host city along with Beijing of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.