Celebrations for the upcoming March 3rd, or Shangsi Festival, were held in Du'an Yao autonomous county, Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on March 23.

Shangsi is a traditional festival observed by Chinese ethnic groups including Han and Zhuang, to ward off evil spirits, natural disasters, and pray for sons and daughters to have children.

Bian dan dancing is performed in Du'an Yao autonomous county on March 23 to celebrate the upcoming Shangsi Festival. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Many practices preserved over the centuries have been preserved by the festival, such as shoulder pole dancing, known as bian dan dancing.

Bian dan, or shoulder pole,?has been used since time immemorial in China to carry goods using a stick and two baskets balanced across the shoulders.

The dancing was listed as an intangible cultural heritage in 2008.

Shoulder poles, an item used for centuries to carry goods, are used in the dance. [Photo/hcwang.cn]

Carrying on the tradition, children take part in the performances. [Photo/hcwang.cn]