Haining shadow puppetry artists and Lao children pose for a group photo. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_dce4a5933cde]

Haining shadow puppetry, a national-level intangible cultural heritage art form from Jiaxing in East China's Zhejiang province, was presented in Vientiane, Laos, from May 29 to June 2 as part of activities marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations and the Year of China-Laos Friendship.

Invited by the China Cultural Center in Laos, a delegation from the Zhejiang Cultural Center staged three performances and cultural exchange events to celebrate International Children's Day, aimed at promoting cultural understanding through traditional Chinese folk art.

The first performance was held at Hands of Hope School for hearing-impaired children on May 30, where classic shadow-puppet stories were presented to the students, who also participated in hands-on activities to learn puppet-making techniques.

Additional events on May 31 were organized for Chinese-language learners and enthusiasts, featuring demonstrations of shadow-puppet production and performance techniques, as well as cultural workshops introducing traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

The main Children's Day event on June 1 attracted more than 100 Lao children. Through lectures, performances, and creative activities, participants gained an immersive introduction to the centuries-old art form.

These activities highlighted the role of traditional culture in international exchange and fostered closer connections between Chinese and Lao communities through shared artistic experiences.