Stick Puppet Show, originated from the Yellow River Basin, became popular in southern China in the Southern Song Dynasty and got its name for the wooden stick connecting the puppet head and body. It was introduced into Pingnan in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties. Pingnan Stick Puppet Show is a theatrical performance integrating various kinds of art. In its spreading process, corresponding roles and professions, puppet body making, screenplay, performance music, puppet stage and other matching art forms have been developed and distinctive performance characteristics from other puppet art forms have also been formed.

Pingnan Stick Puppet Show has been enrolled in the List of Nonmaterial Cultural Heritage of the province.