East Gansu shadow play is an intangible cultural heritage of Gansu province. Shadow play, which is accompanied with local songs, is a result of integration of Qinlong culture and ethnic cultures in the region.
It is said to have originated in the Song Dynasty as "Lantern Shadow Play", "Little Play", or "Old Chanting". After centuries of evolution, shadow play has been supplemented with storytelling, folk music, painting and oral literature by drawing inspirations from other varieties in China and local folk music and arts.
