A stilt performance based on the history of Zheng Chenggong (1624-62), a national hero who expelled Dutch colonists in 1662 and recovered Taiwan, drew crowds to the Ancient Town Carnival of the Wuzhen Theatre Festival in Wuzhen, Tongxiang, Zhejiang province, on Oct 20.

The performance was staged by a troupe from Nianbadu town in Jiangshan, Quzhou. Eight local residents combined traditional stilt walking with large puppets in a moving procession inspired by historical stories about Zheng, also known as the King of Yanping.

Performers from Nianbadu town in Quzhou stage a traditional stilt show at Wuzhen ancient town. [Photo/Tide News]

Performers in traditional costumes walked on stilts nearly two meters high. A large figure representing Zheng led the procession, while a two-person stilt act depicted a large warhorse and a solo performer portrayed a smaller one. Flag bearers marched at the front.

Mao Chen, the troupe leader, said the traditional performance had been passed down through generations. Taking part in the carnival offered an opportunity to introduce Nianbadu's history and cultural traditions to a wider audience, he added.

This year's carnival brought together 76 performance groups from China and abroad, with nearly 2,000 performances scheduled in Wuzhen ancient town.