Every evening in Situ Town, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, the night sky transforms into a dazzling canvas of light and sparks. This breathtaking spectacle is Datiehua, a unique molten iron fireworks display that originated in China over a thousand years ago.
Blazing molten iron, heated to a searing 1,600 degrees Celsius, is flung into the air by skilled performers. The molten metal sprays out in voluminous arcs, bursting into dazzling sparks that mimic a shower of shooting stars. This ancient folk custom is brought to life by 108 local villagers, combining music, dance, and sheer artistry.
In April this year, the molten iron fireworks show in Situ Town set the Guinness World Record for the largest molten iron fireworks display. The combination of traditional techniques and communal participation not only preserves a significant cultural heritage but also provides visitors with an unforgettable visual experience.
As the sparks fly and the molten iron illuminates the darkness, spectators are transported into a starry night symphony—a mesmerizing fusion of heat, light, and history.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
