The Xugou Beigun popular in Qingxu county involves balancing a child on a rod attached to one's back. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Taiyuan city's Qingxu county, the Xugou Beigun is a popular folk dance art form with strong local characteristics and involves balancing a child on a rod attached to one's back. 

It incorporates the artistic characteristics of folk handicrafts, folk fine arts, folk music, folk oral literature, folk drama, folk acrobatics and other art forms. It is also known as the "air dance," "wordless drama," "moving sculpture" and "mobile acrobatics." 

People watch a Xugou Beigun performance in Qingxu county, Taiyuan city. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As a folk activity, the origin of the Xugou Beigun can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). It evolved from a prayer activity used to ask the gods for rain and finally reached its current form during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). 

It has been popular for more than 400 years, and its content is based on folklore, drama stories and real-life events. 

The Xugou Beigun is a stunning example of Qingxu's rich history and culture. It is an ingenious integration of various art forms and has deep historical research value, artistic value and scientific research value.