Folk art finds right balance

Beigun is a unique performance incorporating theater, dance and acrobatics

Lion dances and martial arts displays may be iconic in Chinese New Year celebrations, but Qingxu county in Shanxi province is charming an increasing number of tourists with its unique folk performance during Spring Festival.

Beigun - the art of balancing a child on a rod attached to one's back - features young children standing on small metal plates about 2 meters off the ground that are attached to rods connected to harnesses worn by adults standing below.