Chinese Puppetry: Performance & Workshop

Join us for an extraordinary puppetry experience!

Step into the world of Rugao rod puppetry, a 2,000-year-old art form from China’s “Hometown of Puppetry.” Enjoy a vibrant, language-free performance filled with music, movement, and masterful puppet techniques—followed by a hands-on workshop where you can learn directly from the artists.

✨ All ages welcome. No language barrier. Rare and unforgettable. Join us and experience the magic of puppetry up close!

Originating from Rugao 如皋, known as the “Hometown of Puppetry,” Rugao rod puppetry is a living folk art tradition with over 2,000 years of history, dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties. Celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship, expressive rod puppets, and highly refined manipulation techniques, Rugao Rod Puppetry was recognized in 2006 as part of Jiangsu Province’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Founded in 1954, the Rugao Puppetry Troupe is the official institution dedicated to preserving and transmitting this art form. The troupe has performed internationally acclaimed productions such as The Legend of the White Snake, The Red Conch Girl, and Yu the Great Tames the Flood, and has received numerous honors at major international and national puppet festivals across Asia and Europe.

All ages are welcome.

Performance length: 1 hour | Hands-on experience: 40 minutes