People were also invited to learn about puppet shows and Chinese shadow puppetry. The event uniquely combined exhibits displayed with dynamic, interactive experiences.

Puppet heads and intricate shadow play figures were on display. Visitors could also try their hand on manipulating marionettes and performing shadow plays.

This innovative combination of viewing and hands-on creation provided a unique experience. Craftsmen and teachers were on site to instruct visitors on how to recognize and operate shadow play figures, as well as how to provide them with fitting voiceovers.

This approach allowed participants to engage both with the static displays and the hands-on activities, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the respective art forms.

The offline activities also featured lectures by theatrical professionals, as well as appreciation sessions for classic films. A highlight of the session was a special lecture on traditional comic opera by Tang Jun'er, a renowned national first-class actress. During the event, Tang elucidated the roles and characters in comic opera, interspersed with analysis of classic scenes, which kept the audience in a constant state of laughter. Following the lecture, the participants visited the digital mini-cinema for intangible cultural heritage to watch a classic comic opera film.

The "close encounter with traditional opera" event welcomed a group of children who enthusiastically engaged in various activities.

The young attendees took photos wearing traditional opera headpieces, watched plays on the traditional opera stage, and interacted with Kunqu Opera performers.

Additionally, three participants were selected to dress up as characters from an opera. These lucky visitors, once in costume, learned singing techniques and movements under the guidance of Kunqu performers, transforming their theoretical knowledge into practical experience and deepening their understanding of traditional opera.

xuhaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn