Digital Innovation Directions to Pass on Hengshan County Shadow Play

Hengshan county shadow play, a vital component of China's intangible cultural heritage, faces significant challenges due to declining audience engagement, particularly among younger generations, amid modern entertainment trends. This study addresses the pressing need for preservation and revitalization by integrating traditional craftsmanship with digital innovations such as Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) technology and Do It Yourself (DIY) creation systems. Employing a systematic methodology combining literature review and case analysis, the research explores historical, cultural, and artistic aspects of Hengshan shadow play while investigating its digital transformation potential. Key findings highlight the transformative role of VR/AR in recreating immersive performance spaces and the DIY system in enabling user-driven puppet design, enhancing public participation and cultural identity. However, challenges such as digital infrastructure limitations, cultural-technical balance, and user adaptation remain. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and optimizing resource allocation, this study presents innovative pathways for revitalizing Hengshan shadow puppetry, contributing to broader goals of cultural preservation and education in the digital age.