Drums, masks and other props lend the Kuixing dance spirit and make it attractive and popular among local villagers in Quzhou. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

Four wonderful and different types of intangible cultural heritages and handicrafts from Kaihua county – ranging from dance to beer – were recently recognized, according to local officials.

The county is located in Quzhou city in East China's Zhejiang province and officials said on Dec 18 that these fine examples of regional creativity were listed in the seventh batch of the Quzhou representative intangible cultural heritage items list.

Kuixing dance is part of rituals originating from the pre-Qin period (c.2100-221 BC). It is a folk dance with a sacrificial dimension, which enjoys the reputation of being a "living fossil in the history of dance" and also an artistic treasure of China.

Kuixing dance in Xiantian village in Majin town, has been handed down from generation to generation.

Kuixing refers to the Big Dipper, a cluster of stars in the constellation of Ursa Major. It pays homage to the celestial being called Kuixing, an auspicious god of the stars. In ancient times, boys paid tribute to Kuixing in order to do well in exams, as girls paid tribute to the Weaver Maid – the granddaughter of the Lord of Heaven -- for intelligence, good needlework skills and a happy marriage.