Nuanquan Township, or Warm Spring Township, is located at the western part of Yu Country, bordering Guangling County of Shanxi Province. Nuanquan Township got its name for a continuous stream of warm spring in the township. Da Shuhua, also called Molten Iron Fireworks that has a long history over 300 years, is one of traditional Shehuo in Nuanquan Township. 

With numerous cultural heritages and relics, Nuanquan Township is the only “Chinese Historical and Cultural Township” in Hebei province. In the history, Nuanquan Township was one of the main arteries of traffic, connecting Yu County with places in Shanxi province. Thus, local culture in Nuanquan County was greatly influenced by Shanxi Culture and local customs and flourishing handicraft and commercial industry gradually formed. 

There are three blacksmiths in the township. When it came to Lantern Festival, villagers will donated their unused iron, coal and vegetables to hold the 3-day-long activities of performing Da Shuahua to convey their pursuit for a brighter future. Hot molten metal is splashed onto the city wall by folk artisans, sparkling and glistening. That is very spectacular! At the beginning, only molten iron which gives out red light is used in the performance. Later, molten bronze and aluminum are added to give out green and white lights respectively. In this way, the sparkling molten metal looks far more colorful and splendid than fireworks. Nowadays, the Sparkling Molten Metal is performed at weekends and during Chinese New Year on the Shuhua Square in the east of the Nuanquan Ancient Town.

Right after the spectacle is over, members of the audience rush to acquire a unique souvenir from the memorable event. It is the blacksmiths’ ladles that spectators want to snatch and take home. The marks from the molten iron on the wood make for a great reminder of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Translator: ZHANG Ruochen

Reviewer: SHI Meiling