Visitors watch a rod puppet show at Shuihui Garden, Rugao, Nantong. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Visitors to Rugao's Shuihui Garden Scenic Area on Oct 13 were treated to a captivating traditional rod puppet show. Accompanied by melodious music, the puppets moved gracefully under the skilled manipulation of actors from the Rugao Puppet Art Troupe, offering audiences a visual feast and a unique cultural experience.

"This is my first time visiting Rugao, and to experience such a local intangible cultural heritage performance is truly a delight," said Chen Guofang, a tourist from Shanghai. Taking the opportunity, she even went on stage to try manipulating the puppet under the guidance of the performers, gaining a close-up appreciation of the art form. "The scenery is beautiful, and the cultural atmosphere is very rich. My friends and I had a wonderful time."

The Rugao rod puppet show dates back to the Han and Tang dynasties (206 BC-907) and was listed among Jiangsu province's first intangible cultural heritage items in 2007. As the designated preserver, the Rugao Puppet Art Troupe has long been dedicated to promoting this traditional art through initiatives such as performances in rural areas, educational programs in schools, and cultural outreach in enterprises.

"We have been performing regularly at Shuihui Garden for over 10 years, following a fixed daily schedule without interruption," said Chen Yingang, actor and repertoire director of the troupe.

The puppet show will continue to be performed every weekday afternoon and on weekends, both in the morning and afternoon, allowing audiences to enjoy this centuries-old tradition throughout the season.