A sea of blooming flowers, a breathtaking spectacle — the iron flower bloom, or "Tree Flower Blossom."

    Fireworks symbolize beauty, love, and romance; many romantic stories begin with fireworks. Love arrives like fireworks, surprising and dazzling, yet leaves no trace in the night sky when it departs. Many of us have seen fireworks, which are nothing new to those of us living in modern comfort. But there's one kind of "firework" you've definitely never seen — the "iron tree bloom." The 2017 Fangshan Eco-Tourism Culture Festival invites you to witness the casting of molten iron, known as "tree flower hammering" (Da Shu Hua).

    The so-called "tree flower bloom" involves northern men wearing sheepskin coats turned inside out, who swiftly scoop up molten iron with long-handled wooden ladles made from oak knots. They then hurl the scorching iron against towering city walls. Upon impact, the molten iron explodes into a shower of radiant sparks, shimmering brilliantly and leaving spectators awestruck. The crowd cheers, jumps, and boils with excitement — for a moment, even hearts tremble. The sparks cascade like the branches of a lush tree canopy, hence the name "tree flower." This radiant burst symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and beauty.

    In the past, the tree flower bloom was a unique custom of the people of Yu County to celebrate the Lantern Festival. The town of Nuquan in Yu County is the most famous place in China for this tradition and remains the area where it is most authentically preserved and skillfully performed. Thanks to the dedication of the people of Yu County, this practice has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Hebei Province, becoming an ancient art form that continues to amaze the world today.

    When watching, aside from marveling at the beautiful moment, we should also appreciate the performers' courage, perseverance, endurance, and hard work. You see, turning solid iron into freely flowing molten iron requires temperatures exceeding 1,600 degrees Celsius — meaning the performers must work with molten iron at over 1,600 degrees. It’s truly a game for the brave.

    The "tree flower bloom" is undoubtedly a crystallization of wisdom from working people through long-term production practices. They ingeniously incorporate the "tree flower bloom" into a grand musical dance epic, embedding it within a storyline and blending distinctive folk traditions. Together, they present a poignant love story, showcasing the tree flower bloom more profoundly. This creates a stunning effect that leaves visitors both amazed and reflective, further preserving this ancient art form. By merging the old "tree flower bloom" with modern art, it radiates boundless vitality. The ancient and mystical ritual, along with the grand scenes of battle with thousands of soldiers, is brought to life through stirring music and dynamic stage lighting, as well as the simple and heartfelt performances of the actors — evoking a deep sense of history and endless reflection...

    The 2017 Fangshan Eco-Tourism Culture Festival offers more than just the breathtaking beauty of the "tree flower bloom." There’s also the natural beauty of Tiankai Flower Sea — "China’s Most Beautiful Countryside," the magical allure of the Firefly Fantasy — the firefly viewing area, the unforgettable delights of the Music and Food Square, and the serene tranquility of the Tent Camp and RV Camp — known as the "Dream-Making Space." These diverse forms of beauty combine to create the unique and distinctive "landscape of beauty" at Tiankai Flower Sea.

    You may have seen fireworks and thought them beautiful, but they still fall a little short compared to the "iron tree bloom." So come to Tiankai Flower Sea to join the 2017 Fangshan Eco-Tourism Culture Festival. We believe everyone who visits will find it an unforgettable experience.