Chinese shadow play is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment dating back some 2000 years to during the Han Dynasty.(Photo/CNTV)

Chinese shadow play is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment dating back some 2000 years to during the Han Dynasty.

Chinese shadow play is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment dating back some 2000 years to during the Han Dynasty. It's been passed down through the generations to this day.

A group of shadow play artists from Anhui Province have gone to local communities of Bengbu City to delight a new generation.

This show is named "An Island Girl". Today's stage is a community square in Bengbu City. The members of the troupe are all experienced puppeteers, who can make the figures walk, dance, fight, nod and laugh.

The vivid expressions of the puppets amaze a lot of local children, and even adults.

One visitor said, "I've never seen this before. It's very interesting, and the puppetry figures are delicate. I love it."

Another said, "I'm happy that I can watch this. It's about history and culture."

In 2006, shadow play in Hubei Province made it into the first group of China's intangible cultural heritage protection list. Reports said the art was on the edge of extinction because of shrinking audience and market demands.

So it's encouraging to see there are still some people carrying on the tradition.

The shadow play troupe has given performances in more than 20 communities in Bengbu City, bringing laughter and happiness to appreciative audiences.