Li Si. [Photo/CGTN]

Eight students were chosen from the Wenzhou area, seven of whom stayed in Shanghai after graduation. Only Lin went back to her hometown and joined the Pingyang Puppetry Troupe.

"The most difficult part of training was holding the puppets. You have to hold them still for more than half an hour," says Lin. "I couldn't lift my arms for days after that."

Being shorter than other performers, she has to wear high heels in order to keep the puppets at the same level, which makes it more laborious for her.