Gaozhou, a county-level city in Maoming, recently made the list of folk culture and art hometowns for the 2021-23 period for its distinct puppet show culture. The honorary title was awarded by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

The Gaozhou puppet show was developed from Fujian province's glove puppetry during the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It integrates the artistic elements of drama. It is a performance with actors operating puppets accompanied by the Cantonese opera, and is usually performed during the Lantern Festival.

Puppeteers entertain an audience full of students at the Gaozhou puppet show. [Photo/mm111.net]