Yunmeng shadow puppetry showcases vibrant folk culture on gauze screens

Yunmeng shadow puppetry presents charming Jingchu folk art on the gauze screen. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Yunmeng shadow puppetry, dating back to the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), boasts a history of over 200 years. It shines with the brilliance of Jingchu (generally referring to the region that is now Central China's Hubei province) folk art.

This art form involves carving figures and animals into silhouettes, which are projected onto a gauze screen via light. Performers manipulate the silhouettes while accompanying them with singing and narration, forming a unique folk performance art. Typically performed by two people, it is known as the "light cavalry of opera".