Pingyao shadow play performed for National Day

In celebration of the recent National Day on Oct 1, a shadow play troupe in Pingyao, named Longzaitian, gave a performance of the traditional Chinese art, attracting a group of students from Taiyuan.

Chinese shadow play is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment which originated from the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 24). In 2011, the art became the intangible cultural heritage inscribed by UNESCO.

It uses flat figures made of paper or animal skins to show cut-out images that are held between a translucent scrim and a source of light. Different effects can be achieved by moving the puppets and the light. A talented performer can make the figures seem to walk, dance, fight and laugh.

"We hope to appeal to more people, particularly the rising generation, to learn more about and even inherit the traditional art through our shows," said Bai Changmao, the director of the shadow play troupe.

An art group prepares to perform shadow play in Pingyao to celebrate National Day. The average age of its members is 22 years old. [Photo/pingyao.gov.cn]