At the start of the new semester, the Confucius Institute of Transilvania University of Brasov in Romania organized a distinctive “first lesson of the new semester” for its students—watching the series of short videos Show Your Chinese Talents produced by Liaoning International Communication Center.

When watching the episode Liaoxi Puppetry Dancing Upon the Palm, Chinese language teacher Zhang Jing thoughtfully prepared a PPT to help students better understand this traditional art form with distinct Liaoning regional characteristics. She provided a detailed introduction to Liaoxi Puppetry, a project listed as China’s national-level intangible cultural heritage. “With steady hands, the performer skillfully manipulates the ‘central rod’ and ‘hand rod’, guiding the ‘fairy’ puppet draped in seven-colored long silk to move, spin, and dance. A series of graceful yet dynamic movements flow seamlessly, as if the puppet has been imbued with life.” Zhang Jing explained to the students the artistic charm of the “unity between puppeteer and puppet” in Liaoxi Puppetry.

Romania also boasts a long history of puppetry with diverse forms of expression. Romanian university student Cǎtǎlina (Li Ruoxing) said, “Romania also has puppetry. Our puppets are somewhat smaller and lighter than China’s Liaoxi puppets. Ours are marionettes controlled by strings, while the Liaoxi puppets are rod puppets, which are more impressive. I never imagined that performers could manipulate such heavy puppets with such graceful and agile movements. It really shows how rigorous their daily training must be.”

“I really admire the international students in the Show Your Chinese Talents videos who had the chance to learn those precious traditional arts. I hope I can also have the opportunity to study in Liaoning Province and learn from masters in the future,” said Paul Gligoraș.