Fifteen students from South Korea embark on a memorable exploration of Chinese traditional culture at the Taishan Mountain Shadow Puppetry Heritage Center in Tai'an, Shandong, on July 9. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]

Fifteen eager students from South Korea visited the Taishan Mountain Shadow Puppetry Heritage Center in Tai'an, Shandong, on July 9, beginning an unforgettable journey through China's intangible cultural treasures.

Guided by local artists, they learned to manipulate ox-hide puppets with silk strings, discovering how this 2,000-year-old art form combines folk music, leather carving, and dramatic storytelling.

This cultural exchange demonstrated that ancient crafts remain powerful connectors. As the students' hand-painted puppets danced across the backlit screen, one truth became clear: cultural borders fade when creativity takes the stage.

The students delve into the rich heritage of Chinese traditions at the foot of Taishan Mountain, immersing themselves in a unique cultural experience. [Photo/Tai'an Daily]