Take shadow puppets, for instance. Their history goes back to the Western Han Dynasty, more than 2-thousand years ago in Shaanxi province. It's one of the earliest art forms using light and shadow. Made with donkey skin, the art has been collected by museums inside and outside of China. It's also a favorite souvenir for visitors and a special gift presented for many VIP visitors at Laoshe Teahouse like the presidents, prime ministers and celebrities who have visited here since the tea house opened.
Every night, a 90-minute long extravaganza is staged at Laoshe teahouse. The highlight is the Kungfu tea, a combination of tea and martial arts, two Chinese icons. Many wonder why the tea is held in a long-spouted pot? And why they are made of bronze? You'll just have to check it out for yourself at the teahouse.
(CCTV February 12, 2009)