“A millennia-old culture, rich in art, traditions, music, literature and history, which has influenced the cultural development of societies across Asia and beyond, is coming to Albania through a special programme,” Gonxhja said.

The event is part of the fifth edition of the International Cultural Weeks in Albania and will feature activities ranging from jazz and traditional music to puppet theatre, literature, sports and audience interaction.

A highlight will be a traditional Chinese puppet theatre performance featuring three styles – string, hand and rod puppets. The programme will include performances such as “Monkey King Kung-Fu”, “Monkey Training”, “Puppet Fighting” and “Face Change”, as well as interactive games and opportunities for children to join the performers on stage.

The performance will open Chinese Culture Week on Tuesday at Tirana’s Puppet Theatre and will be staged again on Thursday at the Petro Marko Theatre in the southern city of Vlora.

The event is being organised in cooperation with the International Puppet Festival of Tirana.

Another event, “Discovering China through Books,” will introduce Albanian audiences to Chinese culture, literature and traditions through translated publications.

The programme will feature the launch of the Albanian-language edition of “Chinese Legends,” a collection exploring ancient Chinese stories where history, myth and imagination intertwine.

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