Lin is pretty versatile. She can perform and make the puppets. The troupe's puppets can't be mass produced, as each is unique. For example, their joints are designed separately to move in different ways. And a special switch is required to put on and lift the hat.

Like many other traditional arts, the Pingyang puppet show has a limited audience. The long training process results in gaps between generations of performers. All the other artists of the troupe are in their 40s or 50s. As the only young performer, Lin has to take part in important annual shows to improve herself. "I want to do my best on the stage, so as not to put my efforts in vain."

Lin is actually a fashionable girl offstage. Flexible fingers has made her formidable in some popular mobile games. "If I could make the puppets out of game characters, perhaps our puppetry would attract more attention from the younger generation," she said.

She hopes someday that will finally come true.

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