People watching a shadow puppet play in Xi'an, Shaanxi province. [Photo/IC]

4. How is shadow puppetry being preserved for future generations?

Now that people have more entertainment options, it's no wonder the traditional art is declining.

The traditional art is facing a challenge. As the market shrinks, audiences become smaller and its future is threatened. Training in the art is intensive and the pay is low, so young people are not willing to learn.

The Ministry of Culture has formulated policies to foster its development, and many puppetry lovers are making their efforts to preserve the heritage.

Shadow puppetry was listed within the country's first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, and is recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO in 2011. Still, the preservation work should be carried through, as the folk art needs to be cherished and passed forward.

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