Taoyuan Airport becomes a wuxia stage as “Pili Heroes Illuminate Taoyuan Airport” showcases Taiwanese glove puppetry

A terminal waiting area at Taoyuan International Airport turned into a wuxia fantasy stage on Sept. 4, as classic characters from Taiwan’s Pili Puppetry appeared before travelers from Taiwan and abroad.

The event, titled “Pili Heroes Illuminate Taoyuan Airport,” formed part of the airport’s 2026 arts program, “Light of the Island, Setting Sail from the Gateway.” Professional puppeteers performed characters including Su Huan-jen, while cosplayers appeared as Su Huan-jen, Feng Xiu Zhu Ren and Butterfly Jun. Travelers stopped to watch, interact with the performers and take photos.

The two performances took place at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the D7 waiting area of Terminal 2. The puppeteers used detailed hand movements to give the figures lively expressions and gestures, pairing traditional manipulation techniques with elaborate character designs.

Taoyuan Airport acting chairman Chen Yen-po also tried operating a glove puppet on stage and improvised a short performance. He said he had grown up watching Taiwanese glove puppetry and felt a particular connection to the tradition.

The airport company said its role extends beyond passenger services to presenting Taiwanese traditional culture and contemporary creativity through arts programming. “Pili Heroes Illuminate Taoyuan Airport” is scheduled to return on Nov. 6.