Chinese acrobatics has a long and rich heritage. The acrobatic art has been existent in China for more than two thousand years. It was during the Han Dynasty (221 BC-220 AD), more than two thousand years ago, that the Chinese saw the first acrobats, magicians, and jugglers. In the long course of development, the Chinese acrobatic art has formed its own style. The ancient acrobatics stemmed from the people’s life and had a close link with their life and productive labor. Chinese farmers and village craftsmen, with relatively little to do during the long winter spent their time improving their societal positions by becoming acrobats. They practiced with just about anything they could find around the house, workshop and farm, i.e. cups, saucers, tables, chairs plates, farm tools, etc. They even used their own bodies to form human walls and pyramids. Every year when the peasants celebrated the bringing in of the harvest, the common people would show off their skills by performing new and exciting feats of daring and strength.

The performances became more elaborate and during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), acrobatics became popular in the Emperor’s court, and the acts became more refined. Eventually, the performing arts lost favor in the Imperial Court; they moved back to the common people and most performers performed on the streets. During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), acrobatics started to be performed in the entertainment centers called Wazi (tiles). At the end of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the performers came off the street and began performing on stage. During the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it regained popularity with the Imperial Court and has remained a popular art form till now.

Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, acrobatics has gained new respectability. Troupes have been established in the provinces, autonomous regions, and special municipals with theaters specifically dedicated to the variety arts. At present, there are over 120 acrobatic troupes above the county level, and more than 12,000 people are involved in performing. Some troupes have become world famous, playing to packed houses at home and on foreign tours.