Horse riding custom spurs tourism boom

On a bluestone road, performers in ancient Chinese costumes charge on horses, stretching their arms and shouting all the way through.

The audience stands shoulder to shoulder by the road and on rooftops alongside the ancient alley, cheering together with loud drum beats in Xiadongzhai village, in the city of Yangquan in northern China's Shanxi province.

"It is a custom that has lasted for over 1,000 years, and represents the martial spirit," said Yuan Yuxiang, Party secretary of the village.