Sweet experience

Zhang Hongyan, a retired teacher in Taiyuan, was among the visitors to the show. She said the performance brought back childhood memories.

"Eating a sugar-painting snack was the wish of many children during Spring Festival when I was young,"Zhang said. "And it remains a sweet experience for many nowadays."

ICH shows could be seen everywhere in Shanxi during this year's Spring Festival holiday.

According to the Shanxi Department of Culture and Tourism, more than 100 ICH shows have been staged in the province during the period, giving tourists and local residents an opportunity to experience the charm of local culture and traditions.

The shows also proved to be a magnet to overseas tourists. On Feb 11, a special tour of Shanxi for overseas influencers was launched. In the city of Xinzhou, local paper-cutting master Li Binjie hosted a workshop for the visitors, who tried to make paper-cuts under the instruction of Li.

Syed Zawar Shah and his wife Iqra, who were studying at a university in Shanxi, were among the tour group. They made paper-cuts featuring various patterns of horses.

"This year is the Year of the Horse and we spent our holiday here in Shanxi," said the husband. "Here in Xinzhou, we are impressed with the unique traditions of Chinese New Year and we are grateful for the friendliness and warmth of the hosts like Master Li. This is an experience that we will cherish for our lifetime."