Bamboo horse dancers perform to welcome the first ray of sunshine in Chun'an county, Hangzhou on Jan 1. [Photo/WeChat account: chunanfabu]

Zhuma, or bamboo horse dance, is a folk art in Chun'an county, Hangzhou that dates back to the late Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

The art hasn't changed much over the centuries, and it has remained a unique celebration among locals for traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.

The zhuma dance performed during the Spring Festival is the most popular form, with dancers visiting every household in the village to extend New Year greetings.

Dancers are usually dressed in traditional red, yellow, green, white, and black costumes. Bamboo horses are tied to their waists, and while performing, the dancers will have one hand holding the neck of the horse and the other hand raising a whip to resemble the act of riding a horse.

The Chun'an bamboo horse dance was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in 2014 and has become a well-known brand in the local culture and tourism industry.

Dancers stand in a line in front of a tranquil background. [Photo/WeChat account: chunanfabu]