Shadow plays are a type of puppet show in which light is used to cast the shadows of paper-cut or leather-cut figures onto a white curtain screen. An important leisure activity for people in the Hehuang area, it was also a must in traditional temple fairs or festivals in Xining, Datong, Ping'an,  Ledu and other areas in the eastern farmed areas of Qinghai.

A shadow play troupe is made up of several people or a family and there are also groups organized by the local government or villages. The head of the group operates the leather-cut figures while other members beat the drums and play string instruments.

The props include leather-cut figures, curtain and lamps.

The contents, all composed and sung by the group, are drawn from historical stories and legends, but there are also some contemporary themes.

It is said that shadow plays were introduced from Shaanxi over three centuries ago. The form became popular because the puppets are easy to make and operate and there is no need for a stage, lanterns and sites. One singer can play a number of roles. Groups can range between four and seven people and a donkey can carry all the props, which makes the genre perfectly suited for traveling performers.