Research on the Shadow Play Culture in Shaanxi

In 2011, Chinese shadow puppetry was recognized as "intangible cultural heritage" by UNESCO. This traditional art, inherited for thousands of years, was recognized by the world and became a valuable asset for humanity. As the earliest birthplace of shadow play in legend, Shaanxi has a long history of shadow play inheritance. It is said that the emperor of the Han Dynasty missed his deceased concubine and looked at other people's figures and performances across the veil, just like seeing his lover. The shadow play then spread from the palace to the people. It has become an important people's leisure and entertainment in the Song Dynasty.

The rise and fall of shadow play in Shaanxi is the epitome of the development history of shadow play in China. In the development history of shadow play, Shaanxi shadow play has formed a unique play performance style. Shaanxi Province is still one of the most important performance areas of shadow play.

This paper will introduce the definition of Shaanxi shadow play, review the development history of shadow play, tell the development status of shadow play and its cultural by-products, and put forward some suggestions on the protection and promotion of shadow play.