On the morning of October 11, 2025, the School of English and International Studies (SEIS) hosted a special cultural exchange event centered on the ancient art of Chinese shadow puppetry. The event, held in the university library’s Academic Hall, brought together nearly 100 participants, including a visiting student delegation from Valley Christian Schools in the United States and SEIS undergraduates.
This exchange was a key component of the “2025 U.S. Youth Marching Band China Tour” and opened with a poised welcome from SEIS student Qu Huiru. Speaking in fluent English, she introduced shadow puppetry as a treasured form of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
Following the welcome, SEIS student Han Zimeng delivered an insightful presentation on the art form's rich history and intricate crafting process. She detailed the journey from raw material selection to the delicate carving, dyeing, and finishing, showcasing the strong linguistic and cultural communication skills fostered at SEIS.
The academic overview was followed by a captivating performance from the Beijing Longzaitian Shadow Play Art Theater. Artists presented English-language adaptations of the classic tales “Havoc in Heaven” and “Chang’e Flying to the Moon,” a special production developed in collaboration with SEIS. The skillful blend of traditional shadow play with modern English narration brought the iconic characters to life for the diverse audience, earning enthusiastic applause.
The event’s final segment transitioned from observation to participation. In a hands-on workshop led by Wang Xi, president of the Longzaitian Theater, American and Chinese students sat side-by-side to create and operate their own shadow puppets. SEIS student volunteers were actively involved, providing translation and fostering a lively, collaborative atmosphere where friendships were formed through the shared creative process.
This event is a testament to the school’s commitment to promoting practical, meaningful dialogue between Chinese and American youth. It serves as a vivid demonstration of the SEIS mission: "to introduce the world to China and China to the world," empowering students to become active agents of global understanding.
