The personalities of puppets

The exhibition also features displays detailing the shadow puppet-making process and the specialized carving tools. "We've set up a workshop area where visitors can try painting shadow puppets after learning about the materials and craftsmanship," Dang says, adding that a small stage also hosts shadow-puppet performances, including for special nighttime tours.

Dang has also collaborated with other artists to create experimental work blending shadow puppetry with contemporary art. This includes Shadow Collection: Ping Xu (Bottles in Sequence) by artist Yao Zhihao, a doctoral student at Tsinghua University's Future Laboratory. Inspired by the traditional motif siji ping'an (the flowers of the four seasons: peony, lotus, chrysanthemum and plum blossoms each in a vase to represent peace and safety), Yao uses modern technology to transform flat shadow puppet imagery into a naked-eye 3D experience, offering a more immersive interaction for visitors.

Dang admits that the paper-cutting work of other artists has been inspiring. "As inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, we should break free from traditional constraints," he adds.

He says that with its blend of historical craftsmanship and modern innovation, the exhibition offers young audiences an engaging and dynamic cultural experience.

Many visitors have left heartfelt messages in the guest book, Zhang says. "I found that many of them have a deep and personal understanding of traditional Chinese culture."

While the modern artistic interpretations of shadow puppetry and paper-cutting are central to the exhibition, much of the work also reflects on social issues.