The puppets used in Gaozhou puppet shows are mainly rod puppets. Their heads are carved from camphor or pine wood and fitted with internal mechanisms that allow the eyes and mouths to move. Three wooden rods control the puppet’s head and hands. During a performance, the puppet can open and close a fan, put on clothes and hats, pour wine, hold a book, write and shoot arrows. Combined with hand-embroidered traditional costumes, these movements create a rich range of expression.

The puppets are divided into four principal roles—sheng (male lead), dan (female lead), jing (painted face) and chou (clown)—with facial painting reflecting each character’s personality. Performance companies are also grouped as small, medium or large troupes to suit folk stages of different scales.

The facial makeup of Gaozhou puppets draws on the symbolic system of traditional opera masks, using painted patterns and colours to distinguish characters’ personalities and social roles on carved camphorwood heads. Red faces typically represent loyal, courageous and upright protagonists; black faces symbolize integrity, impartiality and dignified severity, such as Bao Gong; white faces are commonly used for treacherous and cunning villains; while blue, green and other mixed-colour faces often depict heroic figures with fierce temperaments and a chivalrous spirit.

The makeup also corresponds to the four principal opera roles. Sheng and dan use simple, elegant designs that emphasize refined expressions; jing roles feature intricate, vivid patterns with strong visual impact; and chou roles are marked by distinctive patches of white powder on the face, conveying a naturally humorous tone.