The shadow plays in northwest China's Shaanxi province keep the form of story telling. It is the predecessor of the many existing local operas.

Simple figures and exquisite handicraft are its two features. People draw lines to depict the general figure. Most part of the figures is pierced, with the non-pierced part serving as complementary to each other. For different parts, the figure, stage prop and background, different patterns are used. The play looks beautiful for each detailed part and general design. They look elaborated without too much complexity, simple without being empty.

In the picture shown, the main figure is eye catching both in color and decoration.