Puppets continue to pull heart strings

"I hope our performance can reach a wider audience. What's more, I would like to see more young people get involved and revive the folk art," Xie says.

To better preserve the art form, Xie promotes such shows at local primary and high schools.

Authorities have also taken measures to save the intangible heritage from extinction, designating troupes to preserve and further the art form since 2006.