An imaginative art form, shadow puppetry emerged during the Tang dynasty as performance art that kept the emperor and those around him entertained and enlightened. The appeal of shadow puppetry endures today and visitors to Xi’an can enjoy both a performance and a keepsake by purchasing a shadow puppet to take home. Made from cow’s leather or donkey hide, these puppets are extremely popular with collectors and are unique decorative pieces for the home.
Update: August 02, 2021