What are the characteristics of Shanxi?

Jin dialect is used in most parts of Shanxi, Zhongyuan Mandarin is used in most parts of southern Shanxi, and Jilu Mandarin is used in Guangling County.

Jin dialect is the only unofficial dialect in northern China with a population of about 63.05 million. Most dialects of Jin dialect have five tones, and some areas have six, seven or four tones, which has a complex tone sandhi phenomenon.

2. Shanxi gongs and drums

Shanxi gongs and drums, with their rough, wild, majestic and natural regional characteristics, show the simple, bold and passionate heroic feelings of the sons and daughters of the Yellow River, so they are known as "the first drum in China". There are dozens of kinds of drums in Shanxi, including Shanxi prestige gongs and drums, Yellow River gongs and drums, Taiyuan gongs and drums, flower percussion and so on.

3. Guangling Paper-cutting

Guangling paper-cutting is one of the three major schools of traditional folk paper-cutting in China. It is unique because of its vivid composition, vivid expression, exquisite knife technique, exquisite dyeing materials and exquisite packaging technology. It is known as "a unique skill of China folk art" and occupies an important position in Chinese paper-cutting.

In 2009, Guangling Paper-cut, as a part of China Paper-cut Declaration Project, was listed in the representative list of human intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

4. Dough modeling

Dough sculpture, commonly known as flour flower, steamed bread, flower cake and dough mixer. The dough-kneading artist takes materials at will according to his needs. After several times of kneading, kneading and lifting, he skillfully places, cuts and carves, cuts and shapes his body, hands and head with a small bamboo knife, and puts on hair ornaments and clothes.

5. Wang huo

Shanxi has the custom of flourishing fire. Every New Year's Eve and Lantern Festival, every family should build a tower in front of the courtyard with large pieces of coal, called Wanghuo, for good luck and congratulations on prosperity all year round. Put firewood inside and stick a red note on the outside, which reads "full of anger". Just wait until midnight, when the firecrackers are ringing, and light the fire.