Highlights of the Exhibition

1. Diverse sources and categories, a multi-faceted presentation of Chinese shadow-puppet art

Breaking away from a single regional focus, the exhibition brings together shadow puppets of various forms—including figures, floral motifs and stage backdrops—from 20 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) across China. Through scene-based displays, it highlights the widespread distribution, distinctive regional styles, and blended characteristics of Chinese shadow-puppet theatre. To enrich the visual experience, the exhibition also presents 12 precious artifacts from the Guangdong Museum collection—such as a Qing-dynasty Kangxi-era blue-and-white porcelain plaque painted with Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage scene, a Qing-dynasty Liu Hai and Golden Toad figurine, and a Qing-dynasty woodcarving of the God of Longevity with deer and crane—for comparison with related shadow-play narratives.

2. Enriched supplementary programs, creating joyful experiences for children and families

As the summer holiday marks a peak period for family visitors, the exhibition specially launches a children’s audio guide. Designed in an engaging, question-and-answer style and delivered in a lively tone, it encourages children to observe puppet details and imagine the storylines, thereby enhancing their visit. Hands-on shadow-puppet workshops, as well as “Museum Night” activities, further enrich the visitor experience.

3. Innovative display methods to create an immersive world of light and shadow

With immersive techniques such as audio, animation, video and looped projection,

the exhibition brings both traditional shadow-play excerpts and newly produced shadow-puppet animations to life. A newly built immersive experience space showcases the transformation of shadow-puppet art from tradition to modernity.

Exhibition Views

 Highlights