An art seminar themed around the development of Zhanjiang puppet shows was held on Sept 1 in Zhanjiang, gathering guests like local folk artists and experts from Guangdong province.

Zhanjiang puppet shows, which integrate performance, drama, music, costume, and sculpture arts, are listed among Zhanjiang's intangible cultural heritages. Due to its longstanding history, Zhanjiang puppet shows play an important part in folk activities.

Zhu Weiguo, a folk art expert from Zhanjiang, said that he is worried about the future development of Zhanjiang puppet shows, as the audience size is on decline and few young people are willing to learn how to perform puppet shows.

Wang Kefan, deputy chairman of the Guangdong promotion association of intangible cultural heritages, said that apart from the support of the local government, more performances should be staged to gain more audiences, as well as to encourage more young people to learn and inherit this cultural heritage.

Zhanjiang puppet show integrates performance, drama, music, costume, and sculpture arts. [Photo/gdzjdaily.com.cn]