Qiantong Xinzi, a unique folk artistic activity of Qingtong Town in Yanshan County, originated in the Qin Dynasty. In the 37th year of Emperor Qinshihuang (B.C. 210), Xu Fu enlisted thousands of children and craftsmen in the Nao’an ( Qiantong Town) and went to Japan, but never came back. So the natives went to the higher place to hold the Xinzi which can express their wishes for the children. Later, Qiantong Xinzi is hold on the 28th day of the 3rd lunar month of every Yazi Year. It has carried on for 2000 years.
Qiantong Xinzi that is made of the wooden pole, wrought iron and stick is 12 meters high. There are several children who act various artistic figures on the stage. Xinzi is lifted by 36 strong men, led by lion dance, musician and martial art group. It performs along the street. The traditional mainly include a Couple in Heaven, Xu Xian Travel on the Lake, Little Mill and Pilgrimage to West etc.
In 1950, the First Qiantong Xinzi Festival was hold in order to celebrate the first anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In later 1992 and 1996′s Xinzi Festivals, the four Xinzi Enlisting in Nao’an, Sail to East, Teaching in Japan and Watching the Sea and Look for Returning were put on and attracted lots of people at home and abroad. In 1996, the Standing Committee of Yanshan County made a resolution that is holding the Qiantong Xinzi Festival every five year.
