Shanghai is having its 11th International Arts Festival and in conjunction, the city is also having the first Shanghai Puppet Festival and competition. The event will get underway on November 5 with 24 groups from home and abroad presenting 42 puppet shows.

Over a five-day period, puppeteers from 13 countries including Spain, Germany, and Austria will show off their authentic performances. In the hand puppet show "Don't Touch My Hand," a Spanish artist illustrates a man's activities in different environments with his hands, simple lighting and tools. A show from the United States blends traditional Chinese and modern western puppet arts, and develops a brand new compilation in "Tiger's Story."

The puppeteers will compete for 13 awards such as Best Performance, Best Visual Art, and Best Director. The festival will be held annually.