Laixi puppet shows, a traditional performance art with more than 2,000 years of history, is a provincial-level form of intangible cultural heritage from east China's Shandong Province. Known for its distinctive puppet designs, ancient scripts and melodies, and intricately crafted costumes, this art form embodies profound cultural and artistic value.

Jiang Yutao, a fifth-generation inheritor of the puppetry, has breathed new life into the tradition by innovating on the basis of its classical techniques. He has restructured the puppets and developed modern-themed performances to suit contemporary aesthetics. His team conducts tours in cities, rural areas, schools and even construction sites, engaging audiences from all walks of life and showcasing the enduring charm of this intangible heritage.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of Laixi puppetry, Jiang founded a cultural communication company and a puppet art museum, attracting a new generation of enthusiasts. Today, the majority of his team members are young people who are injecting fresh energy into this centuries-old art form.

The team has created a number of new products with innovative themes, blending modern technology such as 3D printing and new materials into their puppet designs. These innovations have enhanced the visual appeal and storytelling power of Laixi puppetry, drawing enthusiastic responses from audiences wherever they perform.

Since 2017, Jiang and his team have traveled to more than 20 countries and regions – including the United States, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Spain, and Italy – for cultural exchanges. Through their captivating performances, they have shared puppetry with global audiences, giving the world the opportunity to experience the beauty and vitality of traditional Chinese arts.