Shadow puppetry originated in the Guanzhong area, particularly around Xi'an, during the Western Han Dynasty. However, since the late 1980s, this traditional folk art has been declining, with a diminishing number of older artists and fewer young people willing to learn and carry on this cultural treasure. To revive its former glory and promote it to a broader audience, the Xi'an Museum has established a cultural inheritance base at the north gate of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xiaoyanta) and has set up a performance stage in the garden. Additionally, they have officially hired several masters to perform shadow puppetry across various dramatic genres.

Shaanxi Shadow Puppet

The shadow puppetry performance hall is situated in a prime location within the garden, featuring two floors that can accommodate up to 100 people simultaneously. The atmosphere is both simple and inviting, providing a comfortable setting for audiences to enjoy the performances.

Shadow Puppet Theater

Apart from the captivating shadow puppetry performances, the Xiaoyanta area also features a variety of other intangible cultural arts, including paper cutting, clay figurine making, seal carving, clay xun performances, and the crafting of handmade oil-paper umbrellas. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences such as hand-rubbing inscriptions and learning Chinese calligraphy, allowing them to appreciate the charm of traditional culture. As guests wander through the courtyard of the Xi'an Museum, they are enveloped in an elegant atmosphere enhanced by elements like water features, bamboo, flowers, and birds, all contributing to a profound sense of tranquility.

Shadow Puppet