The inaugural Topu International Art Festival, held in the Linjiang New Area in Haimen district, Nantong, Jiangsu province and spanning a period of nine days, concluded on Aug 11.

Starting from Aug 3, the festival presented 126 puppetry shows performed by 25 troupes from China, German, Spain, Russia, Bulgaria, Armenia, and Iran.

Five artistic exchange meetings were also held during the festival, inviting over 30 experts and artists from countries such as China, South Korea and Japan to participate.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Topu International Animation Week, four awarded animated films were screened outdoors during the festival. By teaming up with the Shenzhen Illustration Association, over 30 illustrators including the renowned Japanese illustrator Tatsuya Kondo were invited to create an illustration art exhibition at the festival.

During the festival, an average of over 1,800 visitors were received per day, with total arrivals exceeding 20,000. Nearly 200 media outlets covered the event.

As the first domestic festival centered around puppetry, the festival will continue to be held in the future, with the goal of establishing itself as an international festival brand that caters to Chinese families as well.

A puppetry show is performed by an international troupe during the festival. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Children enjoy the puppetry shows during the festival. [Photo/Nantong Daily]