Shehuo gala attracts audience with traditional folk art in Urumqi

This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026 shows a scene at a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form.

The Shehuo parade, a time-honored performance enjoying widespread popularity in rural areas across China, originated from ancient sacrificial activities to pray for a good harvest about 2,000 years ago.

Later on, as dancing and singing performances were absorbed into the parade, it gradually evolved into a folk custom staged during the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, believed to remove bad luck and bring a fresh start in the new year. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Actors interact with the audience at a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 26, 2026. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026 shows a scene at a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Audience enjoy a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 26, 2026. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026 shows a scene at a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Actors interact with the audience at a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 26, 2026. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This photo taken on Feb. 26, 2026 shows a scene at a Shehuo gala in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The gala, which was attended by over 2,000 performers, used a float parade to connect various shows of Shehuo, a type of traditional Chinese folk art form. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)