Tongxiang Shadow Play Shadow play was introduced to Tongxiang in the Southern Song Dynasty. It was integrated with the local Haitang Salt Workers' Song and Haining Minor Tune, and absorbed classical vocal styles such as Yiyang Opera. The northern tune was changed to the southern tune, forming an ancient style music based on the two major vocal styles of Yiyang Opera and Haiyan Opera. The tune is high-pitched, passionate, graceful and elegant, accompanied by Jiangnan string and bamboo instruments such as flute, suona, and erhu. The rhythm is bright and melodious, and it is full of the charm of the water town. At the same time, the lyrics and dialogues were changed into Tongxiang dialect, becoming a common program for folk weddings, birthday celebrations, and prayers. Tongxiang is rich in silk, and there is a folk custom of praying to the silkworm god. Shadow play is also called "Silkworm Flower Class" because it often performs silkworm flower plays. The singing and tunes of Tongxiang Shadow Play are similar to those of Haining Shadow Play. The characteristics of Tongxiang Shadow Play are: unique shape, unique style, flexible operation, outstanding martial arts, beautiful music, and ancient vocal style. Tongxiang shadow puppets are made of sheepskin or cowhide, and are made through drawing, cutting, outlining, coloring, sewing, inserting sticks and other processes. The main features are: less carving, heavy color painting, single-line flat painting, round face, single eye side view, less exaggeration, close to real image, rich "human" taste, and the overall one-handed, side-legged (sideways) is the main feature, which is quite characteristic of national folk art. Information source: Jiaxing City Library Information source: Jiaxing City Library