As the Lunar New Year approaches, the streets of Tumushuke in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have transformed into a living tapestry of cultural pride. More than 1,100 performers from multiple ethnic groups brought ancient Shehuo folk traditions to life this week through rhythmic drumming, clashing cymbals, and intricate stick dances passed down through generations.
Young dancers in kaleidoscopic costumes captivated onlookers with synchronized movements to thunderous beats, their wooden percussion instruments creating a primal connection to Uygur heritage. Local residents and visitors lined thoroughcomes, smartphones aloft, documenting this fusion of ancestral artistry with modern celebration.
The annual event, occurring six days before Spring Festival celebrations begin on February 17, 2026, demonstrates Xinjiang's thriving cultural preservation efforts. Organizers emphasize how such traditions foster cross-community bonds while attracting cultural tourism to the region.
