Chongqing - The summer buzz at Chongqing International Circus City is palpable, with every show sold out. As a cultural gem of Chongqing, witnessing a high-quality acrobatic performance has become a must-a "check-in" item for locals and tourists.
Amidst the spotlight, a charismatic young man steals the show, earning thunderous applause and cheers with each performance. His name is Xu Chuanbin, a representative of Generation Z. Despite being in his early twenties, he stands as one of China's most exceptional young performers who is skilled at balancing on shaky pipes, having clinched the esteemed "Golden Chrysanthemum Award," the highest honor in Chinese acrobatics.
Xu Chuanbin, a representative of Generation Z, stands as one of China's most exceptional young performers skilled at balancing on shaky pipes, having clinched the esteemed "Golden Chrysanthemum Award," the highest honor in Chinese acrobatics. (Photo/Chongqing International Circus City）
On the acrobatic stage, he shines like a star. His initial hesitations and endearing stumbles while mounting the first plank on pipes, strategically orchestrated for the suspenseful performance, prompt loud laughter from the audience. They remain unaware that these moments set the stage for the impending excitement.
In a sudden transformation, the young man confidently stands atop multiple pipes, seeming to defy gravity. During the daring act, with five pipes about to be separated, he seemingly falters, his body plummeting dangerously. Gasps from the audience fill the air, believing an accident is imminent. In that critical moment, he swiftly regains control, standing upright with a powerful surge—a cleverly designed maneuver that elicits a collective sigh of relief, followed by vigorous applause.
As the performance concludes, the young man extends his arms, radiating an assured smile as if he owns the entire stage. Facing the sustained applause, he bows gracefully to the audience.
A Gen-Z talent claims the pinnacle of Chinese acrobatics
"Swinging Youth" is the flagship performance of Chongqing International Circus City, and it's this very show that propelled Xu Chuanbin to secure the "Golden Chrysanthemum Award" in Chinese acrobatics.
This award stands as a nationwide professional accolade, representing the zenith of the Chinese acrobatics sphere, sharing the prestigious status with awards such as the "Plum Blossom Award" for drama, the Peony Award for traditional arts, and the Lotus Award for dance, each honoring the highest excellence in their respective fields.
On a high platform, performers execute high-difficulty acts on swaying metal pipes—flips, consecutive rope jumps, and spinning with seven pipes and bouncing balls—an exhibition of immense challenge and breathtaking spectacle.
On a high platform, performers execute high-difficulty acts on swaying metal pipes—flips, consecutive rope jumps, and spinning with seven pipes and bouncing balls. (Photo/Chongqing International Circus City)
Among these, several high-difficulty techniques are trailblazers nationwide, with some performances even unmatched globally.
In the Golden Chrysanthemum Award contest, judges unanimously recognized this act's defining feature: its elevated technical prowess, masterfully merged with lighthearted interactions, creating a perfect harmony between acrobatics and humor.
From nervous beginnings to cherishing the stage
At nine, Xu Chuanbin transitioned from dance to acrobatic performance, dedicating six years to honing his foundational skills. Selected from the Heilongjiang School of the Arts six years ago, Xu arrived in Chongqing, embarking on a new journey in acrobatics.
Simultaneously, he embraced the rigorous and monotonous training routine. His focus was on the "swinging pipes," involving several planks. Despite the simplicity of the props, it required exceptional bodily balance to create a dazzling array of high-difficulty movements.
He vividly remembers his debut, a character in the acrobatic drama "Hua Mulan," featuring a few inconspicuous actions. Yet, for a young boy standing on such a grand stage for the first time, the weight of pressure was undeniable.
"Can't make mistakes, can't make mistakes..." he repeated these words, finally completing his premiere. Upon reaching the backstage, he discovered his body was drenched in sweat.
Gradually, Xu Chuanbin grew to adore the stage, savoring the applause and encouragement of the audience. Today, he has performed over 300 shows in the circus city. "Being on stage feels comfortable, like being at home," he shares.
He has traveled to the United Kingdom, Japan, and various other countries and regions, gracing illustrious stages. However, he remains mostly at home on the Chongqing International Circus City stage.
Ten hours of practice each day
Behind the spectacular performances lies a relentless journey of perseverance, rising from countless failures.
Day in and day out, Xu Chuanbin engages with 14 centimeters in diameter, 30-cm-long cylinders, known as "pipes."
"In the beginning, I often fell off the pipes, feeling discouraged, but knowing that success had no shortcuts, I had only two words: practice more."
Early every morning, Xu heads to the practice area. He repeats the same actions time and time, enduring 8 to 9 hours a day, sometimes even more, until he perfects each movement.
What's the feeling of standing on pipes? "Like riding a bicycle on a tightrope, it becomes comfortable with time." This casual statement belies the countless bumps and bruises becoming routine.
Despite his young age, Xu Chuanbin remains vigilant. "Acrobatics, like many endeavors, involves constant progress; otherwise, you regress. Seeing others diligently practicing, any laxity on my part would quickly lead to falling behind."
The dream of an acrobatics youth
Receiving acknowledgment from the audience fills Xu Chuanbin with joy, yet he constantly reminds himself. "I am just a regular acrobat."
Several years ago, he desired to earn major domestic awards and the ultimate global acrobatics accolade, the "Golden Clown" award. "These goals still seem distant, perhaps just dreams, but I'm striving step by step," he says, slightly blushing as he smiles.
In 2021, Xu Chuanbin held the "Chongqing Stage Art New Star Award." The award is held every four years as one of the highest honors in Chongqing's art scene. He had just celebrated his 19th birthday. "Gained a little star," he playfully captioned the trophy photo on his social media.
The few stars on the trophy shine as brightly as the young man's eyes.
After winning the 11th China Acrobatics Golden Chrysanthemum Award, he posted on social media, "This isn't just my award; I'm just a bit luckier than many others. I'm fortunate to have a great team and a wonderful teacher; their acrobatic spirit has always inspired me. With everyone's support and help, I've reached this point step by step. Receiving this award is not just affirmation but also a responsibility for me."
The young boy is getting closer and closer to his dream, the "Golden Clown Award."