Shadow plays in Gansu Province have produced long lists of plays. The picture above depicts a story in the Sui and Tang dynasties. The figures and stage props are so carefully carved that one can't help but to find the play interesting. Bright colors are used for decoration and different parts of the body are properly manipulated for skillful performance.

 Shaanxi Shadow Plays

The shadow plays in Shaanxi Province retain the form of storytelling. They are the predecessor of the many existing local operas and stands out for their elaborate and colorful engravings plus the exquisite performing skills.

Simple figures and exquisite handicraft are the shadow play's two features. People draw lines to depict the general figure. Most of the figures are pierced, with the non-pierced part serving as complements to each other. For different parts -- the figure, stage props, and background -- different patterns are used. Shaanxi shadow plays look beautiful because of their detailed parts and general design. They look elaborate without too much complexity, simple without being empty.

 Shadow Plays in Hua County of Shaanxi

Hua County shadow plays usually involve five people. Among them, the most important is the qian sheng. He or she sings for all the characters and plays a drum as well a yu-kin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument). Others include the qian shou, who operates the figures, as well as three characters in charge of playing other musical instruments -- the zuo cao, shang dang, and xia dang.

The Hua County's shadow plays are the oldest artistic variety in the world and are reputed as the "Father of Chinese Drama" as well the beginning of the world's shadow plays. They are also renowned for both their ancient qualities and their perfect performance standards.

In the picture shown, the main figure is eye catching both in color and decoration.

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