Chinese classic puppet show performance Long Silk Dance is performed by the Sichuan Huge Puppet Troupe. [Photo by He Keyao/Chinaculture.org]

Special performances kicked off the 4th China Quanzhou International Puppet Festival on November 9, with artists from five different countries presenting a multi-cultural opening show.

As one of the key sections of the 14th Asia Arts Festival, the five-day cultural event brings 25 troupes from 14 countries and regions to showcase the best of world puppetry.