<strong>A centuries-old tradition:</strong> China's stilt walkers are said to bring good luck. For centuries they'd be present at major events including New Year celebrations, important birthdays and funerals.
A centuries-old tradition: China's stilt walkers are said to bring good luck. For centuries they'd be present at major events including New Year celebrations, important birthdays and funerals.
Natalie Thomas/CNN
<strong>Preparing for the show: </strong>Hebei stilt walkers, pictured, stand a meter or so above the ground.
Preparing for the show: Hebei stilt walkers, pictured, stand a meter or so above the ground.
Natalie Thomas/CNN
<strong>Life on the road: </strong>The troupe travels from town to town. Performances include dancing and jumping over increasingly high benches. Troupe master Liu Guozheng (pictured far right), who goes by the stage name of Hong Long, pays the walkers 60,000 to 70,000 RMB per year (about $9,000 to $10,000).
Life on the road: The troupe travels from town to town. Performances include dancing and jumping over increasingly high benches. Troupe master Liu Guozheng (pictured far right), who goes by the stage name of Hong Long, pays the walkers 60,000 to 70,000 RMB per year (about $9,000 to $10,000).
Natalie Thomas/CNN
<strong>New challenges: </strong>As China modernizes, the stilt walkers are facing a new challenge: how to keep their audience interested. Inspired by dance moves, the troupe has been working on some new routines.
New challenges: As China modernizes, the stilt walkers are facing a new challenge: how to keep their audience interested. Inspired by dance moves, the troupe has been working on some new routines.
Natalie Thomas/CNN
<strong>Intensive training: </strong>Stilt-walkers on Hong Long's team train for three hours a day inside this prefab metal warehouse in northern China's Hebei province.
Intensive training: Stilt-walkers on Hong Long's team train for three hours a day inside this prefab metal warehouse in northern China's Hebei province.