Chongqing- While there are many famous circuses known worldwide, particularly the Cirque du Soleil from Canada, the Chongqing Acrobatics Art Troupe has a long-standing and exemplary history dating back to the early 1950s and has consistently impressed live audiences in Europe and the USA with over 1000 performances in total outside China, led by the extravaganzas of Embroidery Shoes and Mulan Acrobatic Show. 

 

In recent years, home audiences in Chongqing have enjoyed the chance to admire their show "Top of World," performed in their state-of-the-art venue by the Yangtze in Nan'an District. This show features highly entertaining routines such as the classic flying wheels, gymnastic hoop runs, and incredible displays of strength and agility on silk robes midair.

 At the same time, the audience can admire delicate balancing acts performed in tandem with lotus umbrellas for an impressive scene rich in traditional elements, while fun and interactive clown appearances remind grown-ups that happiness is a simple concept.

Chongqing Acrobatic Arts Troupe won the Golden Chrysanthemum Award for their "Boogie Man" performance at the 11th National Acrobatics Competition held in Henan Province last year. This represents the highest recognition for professional acrobatics in China. It was the third occasion for them to win this prestigious award, following previous successes with Phantom Dove and Fairy Bean.

In 1951, the predecessor, the Chongqing Acrobatics Art Troupe, was first set up and was the first regional organization of its kind following the establishment of New China. They also took the lead nationally in this arena by combining multiple art forms such as dance, gymnastics, and folk music into their routines. As a result, they have preserved the fine traditions of Chinese acrobatics for over seventy years and have now performed their show 'Top of the World' for over 700,000 audience members in Chongqing alone.

The Chongqing International Circus City is an impressive venue on Nanbin Road across from the Yangtze riverbanks. The theatre inside offers the largest floor space and a complete set of modern functions in Southwest China. The arena seats 1496 audience members, who can admire performance routines with a grand stage, mechanical props, lighting, and acoustics that meet international standards.

Chongqing's audiences can enjoy the Top of the World performed live every evening except for Monday, and it will be performed twice daily during the upcoming 2023 Spring Festival. On a recent visit, iChongqing reporter James Alexander enjoyed a live performance, toured the venue, and met with staff from the Acrobatic Troupe and members of the public.

(Zhou Wanting, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)