Puppetry show "Fantastic Travel" by German puppet artists in the opening ceremony of the 4th Quanzhou International Puppetry Festival on Nov 9. [Photo/Xinhua]

Being a part of activities in the 14th Asia Arts Festival, the 4th Quanzhou International Puppetry Festival officially opened in Quanzhou, Fujian province on Nov 9. The closing ceremony of five-day long event will take place in the city of Jinjiang, one of the sponsor cities, on Nov 13.

The Quanzhou International Puppetry Festival was originated in 1986, it was also the first international puppetry festival in China. The second session was held in 1992, and the third in 2000. This year it is fourth and expected to be the largest one, with 25 puppetry groups from 14 countries and regions in the world to put on 58 shows in 36 theatres around Fujian.

Jinjiang will play an important role in the event for its profound puppetry culture. Jinjiang hand-puppet show is one of the first National Intangible Cultural Heritage projects and was first enlisted in the Intangible Cultural Heritages by the United Nations, as an important part of Fujian puppet talent cultivation plan in November, 2012.

Termed as "oriental art treasure", Jinjiang hand-puppet has traveled around the world to show its charm during the past several years.

Longshan Legend is said to be the most anticipated performance which will be on stage on Nov 13, during the closing ceremony of the event. It tells a story about a Jinjiang's merchant, who follows the instruction of Avalokitesvara enshrined in Longshan Temple to go to Taiwan. A series of incidents happened to him and finally he succeeded in his business. He also sets up a branch of Longshan Temple in Taiwan to worship the guidance of Avalokitesvara.

According to earlier reports, officials said that Jinjiang Theater has upgraded its booms, lighting and sound system to help present an ideal performance and show the top level of Jinjiang traditional puppet art this time. Jinjiang puppet art is expected to be promoted to the world after the event.