AdvertisementChinese Flock To The Countryside For A More Authentic New YearFebruary 06, 2014Anthony KuhnfacebookEmailChinese blacksmiths in Nuanquan (Warm Spring) Town perform a folk custom called "making trees and flowers." They throw ladles of molten iron onto a wall, creating showers of sparks. The centuries-old custom originated with blacksmiths too poor to afford fireworks. In recent years, urban tourists have flocked to this once obscure town over the Chinese New Year holiday to enjoy local folk customs. (NPR)