When a gamer encountered Lingyuan Shadow Puppetry, he surprisingly exclaimed, “It’s out of control.” LICC host Scarlett led Pakistani international student Hamza to experience the ancient art of light and shadow firsthand—sketching designs, carving leather, and applying colors—under the guidance of Zhang Zuofei, a representative inheritor of Lingyuan Shadow Puppetry.

Lingyuan Shadow Puppetry features exquisite and vivid freehand-style designs, vibrant colors, and intricate carving craftsmanship, with a history of over a thousand years. In 2006, it was included in the first batch of “China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Projects.” In 2011, through a joint application, Chinese Shadow Puppetry, including Lingyuan Shadow Puppetry, was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today, this ancient craft is radiating new vitality. It not only stages traditional stories but also innovatively integrates Hongshan Culture, Chinese zodiac symbols, and even cartoon characters, attracting young people from around the world to engage with the art form.
Hamza was completely captivated by “this romantic Chinese art of light and shadow”. The highlight came when the trio staged an impromptu excerpt from Journey to the West. As Hamza maneuvered Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), the puppet moved in a comically clumsy way, prompting him to laugh and complain: “This is way harder than gaming combos.”

A single screen, a single lamp—what the audience sees is the shadow puppet, but those who truly bring the performance to life are the artisans silently dedicated behind the scenes. In the interplay of light and shadow, the world witnesses the warmth and wisdom of Chinese craftsmanship.