Quanzhou marionette drama (1/7)

Performers rehearse at Quanzhou Marionette Theater in Quanzhou of Fujian province in mid-May 2014. Quanzhou marionette drama, known as string puppetry in ancient China, originated during the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC - 220 AD). According to historical records, string puppetry was popular in Quanzhou and the surrounding areas during the Five Dynasties (907-960). Now it has more than 700 traditional dramas and exclusive "puppet melodies" consisting of more than 300 Qu tunes. Quanzhou marionette drama was in the first list of national intangible cultural heritages in 2006. [Photo: China News Service / Wang Dongming]