Puppeteers bring elaborately crafted characters to life during a performance of Lingtai puppet show in Pingliang, Gansu province. [Photo/WeChat account: LTXWLJ]

Lingtai puppetry originated during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Through generations of refinement by local performers, it has evolved into a distinctive folk art unique to Lingtai county, Pingliang, with increasingly diverse repertoires and performance styles that continue to appeal to modern audiences.

Two elaborately crafted puppets perform a dramatic scene during a puppet show. [Photo/WeChat account: LTXWLJ]

The craft of making Lingtai puppets has also undergone continuous innovation. Puppet heads were originally sculpted from clay before evolving into carved wood and later into lightweight plastic with hand-painted decorations. This evolution has made the puppets more agile and lifelike on stage.

Performances primarily feature Qinqiang Opera and Meihu Opera, while also incorporating elements of other local folk operas and traditional folk tunes, creating a rich and distinctive artistic style.