National cultural heritage Quanzhou string puppetry to take the stage in HK 

The acclaimed "Ancient Chinese Puppetry with Timeless Charm" will take the stage of the Theatre of the Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre on September 12 and 13, featuring seven classic short plays at the Chinese Culture Festival 2025.

Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the show will be presented by the Quanzhou Marionette Show Inheritance and Protection Center and led by Chen Yinghong, a representative inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage.

Historically known as "hanging silk puppet", Quanzhou string puppetry has a long tradition that dates to the Qin and Han dynasties. It was introduced to Fujian by migrants coming from the central plain between the Jin and Tang periods.

It has had a repertory of over 700 traditional plays and a unique musical genre called "kuilei diao", comprising more than 300 set tunes.

The art form has developed sophisticated string manipulation skills and unique puppet-head carving, figure modelling, and production techniques, with its repertoire retaining numerous Minnan folk customs and the dialect.

One of the program’s highlights is "Lantern Festival Delight," which recreates the vibrant Minnan folk tradition of "Cai Jie" from Quanzhou's Lantern Festival, featuring lively folk dance elements such as chest-slapping, drum-jumping, and the lion dance.

In "The Little Monk's Descent into the Mountain", the little monk puppet exhibits a repertoire of intricate stumbling gaits, vividly capturing his flustered haste through wind and rain. 

The program also features an interactive segment during each performance, offering audiences a rare chance to engage up close with the intangible cultural heritage artistry.

Additionally, Lyrics and dialogues are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at HK$280 and HK$320 are available at URBTIX.