Students play with puppets at the launching ceremony of the Zhanjiang Puppet Shows Inheritance Base. [Photo/gdzjdaily.com.cn]

The first inheritance base of Zhanjiang Puppet Shows, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, was launched at Zhanjiang 32nd Primary School, bringing traditional art skills and unique culture to young students.

Zhanjiang puppet shows, which integrate performance, drama, music, costumes, and sculpture arts, have a longstanding history, possessing precious historical and academic value. It is widely practiced in Zhanjiang, including the urban area and surrounding counties, as well as Gaozhou, Huazhou, and Maoming in Guangdong province and even areas of north Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Li Fuyan, a famous puppet performer from western Guangdong, gave a vivid explanation of the puppet art, interacting closely with the students, as well as showcasing the exquisiteness and charm of Zhanjiang puppet shows. "Puppet shows go along with people's cultural life, especially playing an important role in folk activities," said Li.

As the city's first puppet shows inheritance base, the school will occasionally invite puppet performers to give lessons and actively promote the intangible cultural heritage.