Chinese Puppets could date back to the Han dynasty (206 B.C.—A.D. 220) and central plains of the country. Puppets became one of the fastest growing entertainment businesses among villages. Between 1127 and 1279 in the (Nan) Song dynasty, wars and conflicts were everywhere and puppeteers fled across the country with their folk art. That was how puppet art was introduced to the regions on the southern side of the Yellow River.

 
Owning full-bodied local features, the puppets of west Guangdong have a long history. As a traditional folk art that appeals to many people, it is famous for delicate head carvings, unique images, agile controls, unusual acting and fine clothes.
                                                                                  
Puppet drama in west Guangdong adopts a stick-supported puppet for performances and, there are four roles: main actor (Sheng), female role (Dan), supporting actor (Jing), and clown (Chou). The contents come from folk stories and historical legends. The music and lyrics use seven words in the rhythm, verse and dialect of Guangdong. The main aria is made up of Guangdong drama such as that of the Li nationality. It is performed mainly in Wuchuan, Dianbai, Maoming, Gaozhou, Lianjiang, Huazhou and other regions of Guangdong.

Time: 2007, May 17th—Dec. 24th

Venue: Chen Clan's Academy, No. 34, Enlongli, Zhongshan Qi Lu, Guangzhou.