Puppets continue to pull heart strings

"As long as there are people who would like to watch, our troupe will keep performing," the 55-year-old Xie says.

He adds that they can perform in fields, on public squares, at temples and other venues to meet audience requirements.

Fascinated by folk music since his 20s, Xie started to study performance skills in marionette shows in 1996. He has become a well-known puppeteer and voice artist.

In Xie's eyes, puppetry encompasses various art forms, ranging from music, dialogue, dance, storytelling, martial arts, visual design and craft.

The shows are usually performed during Spring Festival and to celebrate other happy occasions such as weddings or the completion of a new house.