The Shaanxi House showcases colorful shadow puppets from the Qing Dynasty. Yang Shizhong

The richness and diversity of China's folk traditions will soon be on display for visitors to the Olympic Park.

More than two dozen tents, now under construction in the east side of the park, will showcase outstanding artistic and musical traditions from nearly all of China's 30 provinces.

The white-colored tents are referred to as "auspicious cloud houses." The special exhibition, entitled China Stories will be open throughout the upcoming Olympics Games and the Paralympic Games.

One tent, called "Shaanxi House," displays antique machines for making paper. "We will invite craftsman from Beizhang village to show the whole paper making process on site," says Jiang Huili, deputy director of the Culture Bureau of Shaanxi province, which is supervising the exhibition.

"In addition, we will ask the artisans to turn the paper into a block painting, to let visitors witness how the paper is used, and better understand this great ancient invention," Jiang adds.

Colorful shadow puppets from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) will be hung on the walls of the tent. Jiang says that her 14 colleagues are now busy adjusting scenery within the tent for craftsmen to perform shadow plays.

In "Jiangsu House," a small stage is surrounded by paintings of bamboo and water. It is said that the Chinese Kunqu Opera, which is recognized internationally, will perform there. Elaborate embroidery pieces will also be on display for visitors to admire. Twelve handicraft masters, including three disabled artisans, will showcase their talents.

"In order to help visitors communicate with the craftsmen, we will arrange bilingual guides and also sign language translators," says Feng Jinwen, deputy director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Center of Jiangsu province.

"The idea of showing Chinese traditional arts in the park is wonderful," says John Bilmon, the chief designer of the "Water Cube", the National Aquatic Center. He recently paid a visit to the exhibition area. "This will let visitors realize the great mystery of Chinese culture."

(China Daily July 11, 2008)