Northern Shaanxi

Shaanbei's style of folk-singing is distinct from other types of folk singing throughout China, and has gained fame via a number of media depictions, such as in the movie Yellow Earth.[1] The songs are typically about the struggles of rural life, such as poverty and arranged marriages.[1] Many of these folks songs are hundreds of years old, and passed down from generation to generation.[5]

Certain celebrations in Shaanbei are accompanied by dancers hoisting Ansai waist-drums, small drums strapped to the front of the dancers' waist.[6] This tradition gained national notoriety through the film Yellow Earth, which included a scene featuring over 150 real drummers from the region.[2][7]

Paper cutting is another art-form traditional to the Shaanbei region, serving a number of different purposes.[3] In addition to beautifying the environment during important festivals, paper cut art also serves as a symbol of love and fertility during marriage, can be used to pay respects to various religious figures, incorporated into embroidery, or simply serve as toys.[3]

Shaanbei farmer painting is a tradition hundreds of years old, dating back to dynastic promotion of painting.[4] These types of paintings often feature bright colors and depictions of animals.[4][8] Key characteristics of farmer painting is that it commonly takes on subjects specific to the local region, its emphasis on expression rather than adhering to specific rules, use of thick outlines of shapes, use of artist's conception, heavy usage of symbolism, and bright colors.[4]