Laoqiang shadow puppet play is considered by many experts the origirator of Chinese shadow play. In February 2006, Huayin Laoqiang is identified as the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage.
    Laoqiang shadow puppet play originated from Huayin City (prior to 1990 is Huayin County), populars in each district and county of Weinan city and Yuncheng city of Shanxi province, Sanmenxia city of Henan, the adjacent Yellow River Golden Triangle area.

    Laoqiang is the earliest singing of the shadow play because she formed earlier in the Huayin, Hua county area, and compared to the subsequent formation of Wanwanqiang (present singing),it looks simple and rough, so we call it Laoqiang. As about the name, there are also other claims.

    Characteristics of the Laoqiang: One is the singing style uninhibitedly passionate, strong and masculine, powerful and charm; Second is often shout encouragement in the performance of singing (Lapo) method, therefore, it is called "Roar on the stage"; Third, in both sparring and critical moment, with their presentation-click accompaniment to enhance the atmosphere.
    A shadow puppet performances generally do not have a fixed place and time, mostly during the traditional festival temple fair, cottage or wedding and funeral were invited to perform. Laoqiang plays are usually aim to ancient military theme and myth legend mostly,it is said to have more than 200 multiple, which Western Zhou Dynasty, Spring and Autumn period, Warring States period,Three States, Tang and Song period accounte for the large proportion, plays often show are “Show Off One's Wealth”, “ God Pavilion Ridge”, “ Borrow Zhao Yun”, “Three War Fighting with Lv Bu”, “ Angry Zhou Yu Three Times”, “Take Four Counties”, “Five Ways Conquest Shu”, “Conquer South”, “Conquer North”, “Conquer East”, “Conquer West” and so on .In addition, there are also plays reflecting civil life fun and pure martial arts.

    Laoqiang role assignments:
    Ex-sound: Apart from the lead singer, he also to play Yueqin, drum, court drum, hand gong, etc;
    Hand signed: He is also known as "sign", "gate", major operating shadow puppets, before the opening he will also be responsible for small hinge;
    Upper: In addition to playing the Banhu, he is also responsible for the great hinge, trombone;
    Pit: Responsible for the clapper, copper bowl, horse gong, hooking gong;
    Bottom rail: Namely the deputy check, based on drama needs, organizing puppet, tapping wood.