Magical Fish Puppet Captivates National Games Audience

A giant, floating, mythical fish puppet at the National Games opening ceremony captivated audiences both live and on television. This stunning display took place at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre, marking the start of a 13-day quadrennial event.

Spectators flocked to the social media platform RedNote to share clips of the luminous, colorful puppet gliding mid-air, with one user expressing that the entire stadium gasped when it was lit up. The realistic flowing motions of the puppet led some viewers to believe they were witnessing computer-generated special effects.

Comments from viewers included remarks about the magical act, with one saying it looked like it was embodying a soul, while others praised the aesthetic and technical precision that gave them goosebumps.

The puppet is manipulated by about 20 puppeteers on the ground, employing a structure and fabric designed to mimic the lifelike effect of fins in water as it floats several meters above them. The appearance of this mythical creature is rooted in southern Chinese folklore, where it has been celebrated for hundreds of years.

It is traditionally seen on the roofs of buildings made with glazed ceramic tiles and is regarded as an auspicious symbol. The opening ceremony also featured other performances, including a ballet on water, further enhancing the artistic elements of the event.

This magical fish puppet truly showcased the intersection of art and entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnessed its grandeur, according to the South China Morning Post.