National puppet and shadow play skills showcase opens in Xi'an

The 10th National Puppet and Shadow Play Heritage and Skills Showcase for Young and Mid-Career Artists, alongside the 2nd Solo Skills Showcase, opened at Xi'an People's Theater in Shaanxi province, on Oct 22.

Running through Oct 26, the event features performances in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, and Sanmenxia, Henan province, bringing together 30 teams from 15 provincial-level regions across China. It provides a platform for young and mid-career artists to demonstrate their skills, exchange experiences and explore new ways to pass on the traditions of Chinese puppet and shadow play.

The opening ceremony featured performances that brought traditional Chinese arts into dialogue with contemporary forms.

Through performances and artistic exchange, the event celebrates both the craftsmanship of established traditions and the creativity of a new generation of artists.