Chongqing - The first large-scale illusion acrobatic drama themed on the Yangtze River, titled Yangtze River, will officially premiere on May 1 at the Chongqing International Circus City, as announced during a press conference on Thursday afternoon. The production, created by the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe, combines extreme acrobatics with cutting‑edge stage technology to tell a story of ecological transformation and cultural heritage spanning thousands of years.
A performance excerpt from Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
The press conference kicked off with a 50‑drone aerial display that shaped the Chinese characters for "Yangtze River" against the evening sky, followed by a preview of the show’s acrobatic and magic sequences. The immersive presentation drew continuous applause from the audience.
Drone performance showcasing the Yangtze River in Chinese. (Photo/Deng Nan)
A Tale of Ecological Renewal
Spanning the period from the 1990s to the present day, Yangtze River traces the ecological changes along the river basin and focuses on the heartfelt stories of riverside residents who have dedicated themselves to protecting the Yangtze's waters. Through a combination of acrobatics, dance, magic and immersive stagecraft, the drama highlights the era of green development along China’s longest river. The narrative is rooted in real‑life themes such as the Yangtze River Protection Law and the 10‑year fishing ban, which has significantly restored aquatic biodiversity. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, fish stocks in the river’s main stream recovered to approximately twice pre‑ban levels as of 2025, while fishery‑related criminal cases fell by nearly 40 percent year on year.
Stage design of Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Breaking the Boundaries of Traditional Acrobatics
The production breaks new ground by integrating acrobatics with dance, magic, and advanced projection mapping. The stage design features the iconic landmarks of Chongqing, including diaojiaolou (stilted houses) along the riverbank and the Baiheliang (White Crane Ridge) underwater stone inscriptions, a national heritage site listing hydrological data from the past 1,200 years.
A performance excerpt from Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
The technical team has installed 10 high‑definition projection units and deployed over 60 specialized mirror panels and special‑effect lens matrices across the stage to create a "panoramic, illusionary poetic space" that evokes the mighty yet gentle nature of the Yangtze, according to Wu Leiping, the show’s lighting director.
Stage design of Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Upgraded Acrobatics and Aerial Magic
Li Jie, technical director of the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe, said the difficulty level of the acrobatic sequences has been substantially upgraded. The show features nearly 100 performers and includes an enhanced version of Leaping the Dragon Gate, which was previously performed at the Spring Festival Gala. More than 20 "flying trapeze" artists will execute consecutive double somersaults and other high‑difficulty aerial moves.
Leaping the Dragon Gate. (Photo/Deng Nan)
In addition, the award‑winning magic act Fairy Scattering Flowers — which won the Gold Award at the 12th China Acrobatics Golden Chrysanthemum Awards, the nation’s top accolade for acrobatic and magic arts — has been completely re‑staged and elevated from ground level to a height of five meters, creating an ethereal visual spectacle that the audience can witness up close.
A performance excerpt from Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
A Water‑Inspired Visual Fantasy
Above the stage, 16 wire‑flying machines have been installed, allowing 16 female performers to embody "water droplets" in the air, accompanied by giant water‑drop installations. Irregular rings, triangular magic cubes, and other creative props add to the visual richness, capturing both the grandeur and the delicate beauty of the Yangtze.
The host experiencing the aerial device on site. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Chen Tao, head of the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe and chief producer of Yangtze River, explained that the production’s core creative concept revolves around "water" — as both the source of life and as a carrier of spiritual inspiration. "The drama integrates humanistic depth and sublime beauty, presenting through the art of acrobatics a vivid vision of ecological protection, urban development, and hope for the future," Chen said. He promised the audience that “coming to the circus city to see Yangtze River will not disappoint.”
Chen Tao, head of the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe and chief producer of Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
Long‑Term Residency and International Ambitions
Following its May 1 debut, Yangtze River will begin a long‑term residency at the Chongqing International Circus City. The production team is also actively engaging with top international art festivals, with the aim of bringing this Chongqing cultural masterpiece to global audiences and letting the story of the Yangtze River cross mountains and seas to touch hearts around the world.
Audiences are taking photos in front of the poster of Yangtze River. (Photo/Deng Nan)
The Chongqing International Circus City, located on Nanbin Road in Nan’an District, is the most advanced circus venue in western China, with a total construction area of 41,513 square meters and seating for 1,498 spectators. Sources from the Chongqing Acrobatic Art Troupe confirmed that tickets will be available through the venue’s official WeChat account.