Olympic visitors can now see the diverse face of Chinese culture via a mini temple fair at Shin Kong Place.

The Wonderful Chinese Craftworks Exhibition, running through August, offers visitors the most traditional artworks in Beijing, with folk artists from around the country introducing their local culture and creating art works on spot.

"The aim of this exhibition is to help people coming to Beijing during the Olympics get a snapshot of the traditional craftworks in Beijing and their history," says Shang Bo, the PR manager of Shin Kong Place.

Visitors can enjoy live shows of embroidery, paper cutting, handicrafts, shadow puppet play, calligraphy, ethnic singing and dancing, as well as delicious Beijing snacks.

A small stage with four walls of Peking Opera faces painted on is set up. "Bianlian," which literally means "face-changing," one of the oldest forms of Chinese opera, will be performed there. Beginning 300 years ago in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, the stunt consists of opera actors changing the color of their faces during performances by blowing into a bowl of red, black or gold powder.

In the 1920s, opera masters began using layers of masks made of oiled paper or dried pig bladders, which they peeled off one after another in the blink of an eye, with a wave of the hand or by turning around. True professionals can change 10 masks in just 20 seconds. By raising their hand, swinging a sleeve or tossing their head, an actor uses different masks to portray different emotions.

5th floor of Shin Kong Place. 87 Huamao Center, Jianguo Road, Chaoyang District. 新光文苑.6530-5888.

By Chen Nan

Editor: Liu Fang