Xu Wang was born in 1936, during the period of Japanese occupation, in a house on Theater Street, Xinzhuang District, Xinzhuang County, Taipei Prefecture. His father, Xu Tianfu, was the founder of Xiaoxiyuan puppetry troupe. Xu Wang began to study puppetry skills with his father at the age of five, and officially became the head of the troupe at the age of sixteen. After Xu Tianfu retired, Xu Wang officially took over Xiaoxiyuan and became the second-generation head of the troupe. Xu Wang is proficient in all aspects of traditional puppet shows – he is a writer, director, and performer. He is reputed as the “champion of puppetry” among those in puppetry circles. In the 1960s, his performance of Dragon Head and Golden Swordsman was popular in the greater Taipei area for 12 consecutive years. Fans autonomously organized a “chair convention”, with “at least 500 in attendance”, to watch Xu’s performances. In the 1970s, his puppet show Golden Flute Paladin was featured on a China Television program, and Xu became a popular figure. In 2001, he won the 5th National Awards for Arts in the Performing Arts category, and in 2004 was awarded with Taiwan Drama Award in the 11th Global Chinese Culture and Art Legacy. In 2004, he suffered a stroke, which caused hemiplegia in his right limb and difficulties in speaking. However, Xu Wang still adheres to his mission of passing down traditional culture. Currently, Xiaoxiyuan puppetry troupe is in its fifth generation of leadership, and continues to promote traditional puppet show culture.