Linquan Traditional Acrobatics in Fuyang City, Anhui

Linquan Acrobatics (临泉杂技) originated during the Western Zhou Dynasty (西周) and flourished in the Han Dynasty (汉代). By the Ming Dynasty (明朝), it had already developed into influential acrobatic troupes. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, especially in recent years, Linquan Acrobatics has witnessed rapid development, with numerous folk acrobatic troupes flourishing and touring across the country.

In 2014, Linquan County (临泉县) was officially recognized as “The Hometown of Chinese Acrobatics” (中国杂技之乡) by the China Acrobats Association (中国杂技家协会).

Awards and Achievements

Linquan acrobatic performances have won multiple prestigious awards:

  • “Handstand on Horseback” (马上倒立) and “Archery on Horseback” (马上射箭) won first prizes with full scores at the 1986 Anhui Provincial Acrobatic Competition (安徽省第二届杂技比赛).

  • At the 1990 Anhui Provincial Acrobatic Competition (安徽省第三届杂技比赛), Linquan acrobats claimed two out of three first prizes.

  • In 2005, Linquan acrobatics, magic, and circus acts were included in Anhui Province’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List (省级非物质文化遗产名录).

  • In 2008, Linquan was honored as “The Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Acrobatics)” (中国民间艺术（杂技）之乡).

  • In 2021, Linquan Acrobatics was officially recognized as part of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产).

  • By 2023, Linquan County’s Cultural Center (临泉县文化馆) was designated as the official protection unit for Linquan Acrobatics.

Inheritance and Masters of Linquan Acrobatics

One of the most renowned acrobats is Hou Deshan (侯德山), founder of the Yingxian Circus Troupe (迎仙马戏团). At 87 years old, he continues to nurture young acrobats despite his age. One of his most promising disciples is Li Feiyan (李飞燕), an 11-year-old prodigy who rigorously trains under his guidance. Notably, her father was also Hou Deshan’s disciple twenty years ago.

The Legendary Hou Deshan

Hou Deshan’s life has been full of legendary moments. In 1972, he sought refuge in Yingxian Town (迎仙镇), Linquan County (临泉县), where he started training students and established one of Linquan’s earliest acrobatic troupes—the Yingxian Circus Troupe. His contributions have been crucial in shaping Linquan’s acrobatic culture.

During the first Linquan Acrobatic Arts Festival, Hou Deshan won six awards, including three silver medals, two bronze medals, and one excellence award. In preparation for the second festival, he invested over 100,000 RMB in equipment.

The Ancient Art of Acrobatics in Linquan

The Historical Roots of Linquan Acrobatics

Acrobatics has a long history in China, tracing back to the Qin (秦) and Han Dynasties (汉代) when it was known as “Baixi” (百戏, Variety Show). In the Sui (隋) and Tang Dynasties (唐代), it was called “Sanle” (散乐), and from the Song Dynasty (宋代) onwards, it was distinguished from other performing arts as “Zaiji” (杂技, Acrobatics).

In the 1950s, an Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉) ceramic acrobatic tower was unearthed in Linquan, depicting acrobatic figurines on its second and fourth levels. Archaeologists confirmed this as evidence that acrobatics had already thrived in Linquan for over 2,000 years.

Linquan has historically been a cultural crossroads, where martial arts and performing skills merged with influences from various regions, shaping a unique acrobatic style. Linquan Acrobatics is characterized by both skill and difficulty, blending the boldness of Northern China with the gracefulness of the South. It embodies the aesthetic elements of “New, Unique, Skillful, Thrilling, and Beautiful” (新、奇、巧、险、美).

Unique and Thrilling Acrobatics

Early Linquan acrobatics, known as “Zaoshua” (杂耍, Juggling Acts), was a means of livelihood for performers. They used self-made props and even daily utensils—farm tools, pots, knives, and plates—as performance instruments.

By the mid-Ming Dynasty (明代中期), iconic acts such as “Crossing the Blade Mountain” (过河刀山) from Yangqiao (杨桥) and Zhangguan (长官) were already popular. By the late Ming and early Qing dynasties (明末清初), acts like “Foot Juggling” (蹬技), “Head Balancing” (顶技), “Tightrope Walking” (走钢丝), and “Plate Spinning” (转碟) became widely recognized. Signature tricks include:

  • “Five Beans Flying Together” (五豆齐飞)

  • “Fire Breathing” (口里喷火)

  • “Twelve-Handed Arhat” (罗汉十二手)

  • “Qi Gong Breaking Stones” (气功开石)

  • “Climbing the Blade Mountain” (上刀山)

  • “Immortal Plucking Peaches” (仙人摘桃)

Each performance continues to amaze audiences and win thunderous applause.

Linquan Acrobatics in the Modern Era

During the 1980s, Linquan acrobats from Weixiaozhuang (韦小庄) traveled across the country, lifting themselves out of poverty through acrobatics. From carrying props on their backs to using carts, tricycles, and later agricultural vehicles, acrobatics became a path to economic growth for many families.

International Recognition

Thanks to the prosperity of acrobatic art, Linquan’s folk acrobatics have rapidly expanded. Over the years:

  • Linquan acrobatic troupes have performed on CCTV and major TV shows such as “Legendary Chinese Festivals” (传奇中国节), “Xiang Yue” (乡约), and “Xiang Tu” (乡土).

  • Troupes have participated in international cultural exchanges, performing in over 10 countries, including the United States, Canada, Thailand, the Philippines, and Singapore.

A Cultural and Tourism Landmark

In 2019, Linquan County planned and built Zhangguan Acrobatics Town (长官杂技小镇), integrating acrobatic culture with tourism. It has since become a model for the fusion of cultural and tourism industries.

By 2022, Linquan had:

  • Over 900 acrobatic troupes.

  • More than 20,000 performers.

  • Performances staged in major theaters across China and worldwide.

Linquan’s acrobatic heritage continues to dazzle audiences worldwide, securing its place as a beacon of Chinese folk acrobatics.

How to Get There

By Air:

  • The nearest airport is Fuyang Xiguan Airport (阜阳西关机场), about 80 km from Linquan County.

  • From the airport, take a bus or taxi to Linquan (approx. 1.5 hours).

By Train:

  • Take a train to Fuyang Railway Station (阜阳站) or Fuyang West Station (阜阳西站).

  • Transfer to a bus or taxi to Linquan (approx. 1 hour).

By Bus:

  • Direct long-distance buses to Linquan are available from Fuyang (阜阳), Hefei (合肥), and nearby cities.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Acrobatic festivals are held annually, making spring and autumn ideal times.

  • Local Cuisine: Try traditional Anhui dishes such as “Braised Soft-Shelled Turtle” (红烧甲鱼) and “Huizhou Tofu” (徽州豆腐).

  • Cultural Tours: Combine your trip with visits to Fuyang’s historical sites.

Explore Linquan—where tradition meets thrilling performance!

Traditional Acrobatic Arts of Linquan County (临泉县) Featured on CCTV

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, the CCTV program Live Newsroom (新闻直播间) highlighted Linquan County (临泉县) in Anhui Province with the feature From “Skill” to “Art” – Elevating Acrobatic Performances (从“技”到“艺” 打出杂技招牌). The segment showcased Linquan’s vibrant acrobatic traditions, capturing national attention.

Linquan: The Home of Chinese Folk Acrobatics

As early as 2014, Linquan County was officially designated as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Acrobatic Arts (中国民间杂技艺术之乡)” by the Chinese Acrobats Association. In 2021, Linquan Acrobatics was included in the Fifth Batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Projects (第五批国家级非物质文化遗产代表性项目名录) by the State Council.

Today, Linquan County boasts over 800 professional acrobatic troupes, employing more than 30,000 people, and generating an annual revenue of over 1.5 billion yuan. The county has earned the reputation:

“For international acrobatics, look to Wuqiao (吴桥); for folk acrobatics, look to Linquan (临泉).”

Spotlight Performances: Showcasing Signature Acrobatic Skills

Before the Spring Festival, at the Changguan Acrobatic Town (长官杂技小镇), 26-year-old acrobat Zhang Lulu (张露露) performed the “Aerial Neck Spin” (高空转脖)—a breathtaking routine where she hangs by her head and spins in the air for dozens of rotations, testing her balance and skill.

“This is part of our newly choreographed acrobatic show, ‘Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬)’, which combines dance, acrobatics, magic, drama, and martial arts.”

– Zhang Lulu

Born and raised in Linquan, Zhang started training as a teenager and performed across China before returning three years ago to join Linmei Acrobatic Troupe (临美杂技团). As a lead performer, she has been rehearsing intensely for weeks to prepare for the upcoming competition.

Yin Bo (尹波), the head of Linmei Acrobatic Troupe, comes from a long lineage of acrobats with 50 years of experience. He reminisces:

“In the past, acrobatics was all about thrilling stunts. The best troupe was simply the one that drew the biggest crowd. But now, audiences expect artistic storytelling and refined performances.”

To support the growth of its acrobatic industry, Linquan County invested 503 million yuan in 2017 to establish Changguan Acrobatic Town. This includes:

  • Acrobatic Courtyards (杂技小院)
  • Acrobatic Theater (杂技剧院)
  • Acrobatic Plaza (杂技广场)
  • Acrobatic Theme Park (杂技乐园)
  • Acrobatic Museum (杂技博物馆)

Each Spring Festival, Linquan’s top troupes compete in high-stakes performances at Changguan Acrobatic Town. This year, Farewell My Concubine emerged as a standout production.

“If you don’t innovate, audiences will grow tired. By integrating elements of other performing arts, we can keep our shows fresh and exciting.”

– Yin Bo

Following its successful trial run at Changguan, Farewell My Concubine will soon tour other cities.

The Linquan Cultural and Tourism Bureau reported that over 30 acrobatic shows were staged at Changguan Acrobatic Town during the Spring Festival, welcoming visitors from across the region.

A Storied Past: Linquan’s Acrobatics Through History

Linquan acrobatics originated during the Western Zhou Dynasty (西周, 1046–771 BCE) and flourished during the Han Dynasty (汉代, 202 BCE–220 CE).

According to Luo Zhenxiang (罗振祥), former deputy director of the Linquan Cultural Bureau, an Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉, 25–220 CE) pottery model of a theater (陶戏楼) was discovered in Linquan in the 1950s, depicting a performer in a handstand posture (拿大顶)—providing the earliest evidence of Linquan’s acrobatic history.

One of the earliest recorded performances occurred during the Ming Dynasty (明代, 1368–1644 CE), when a troupe known as “Yicuo Mao Crossing the Blade Mountain” (一撮毛过刀山) performed along the Quanhe River (泉河) and Xianhe River (涎河) to great acclaim.

“Yicuo Mao (一撮毛)” was the nickname of an acrobat.

“Crossing the Blade Mountain (过刀山)” was a high-risk act similar to modern tightrope walking.

During times of war and famine, many acrobats turned to “swallowing iron balls” (吞铁球) and “swallowing swords” (吞宝剑) as a means of survival, literally “trading their lives for food” (以命换粮).

Masters of the Art: Legendary Linquan Acrobats

According to Zheng Zhongmin (郑中民), vice chairman and secretary-general of the Linquan Acrobats Association (临泉县杂技家协会), Linquan’s acrobatic history evolved through four distinct phases:

  1. “Roaming Performers” (走四方) – Early acrobats traveled the country showcasing their skills.
  2. “National Recognition” (台中央) – Linquan acrobats gained recognition on major platforms.
  3. “Global Fame” (美名扬) – Performances expanded internationally.
  4. “Diversified Development” (多元化) – Modernization and innovation led to new forms of acrobatic shows.

Famous Linquan acrobats include:

  • Hou Deshan (侯德山) – Founder of Yingxian Acrobatic Troupe (迎仙杂技团)
  • Yin Yanchun (尹燕春) – Founder of Feiyan Acrobatic Troupe (飞燕杂技团)

These acrobats trained apprentices, establishing the “Hou School (侯派)” and “Yin School (尹派)”, which continue to influence Linquan acrobatics today.

Hou Zhongyi (侯忠义), a National Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor, performed in films such as:

  • The Vengeance of Red Gu Village (红姑寨恩仇记)
  • Golden Dart Huang Tianba (金镖黄天霸)

Modern Innovation: Linquan’s Path to the Future

Since China’s economic reforms, Linquan has seen a surge in acrobatics, circus arts, and magic performances, with prominent acrobatic villages such as:

  • Gao Tang (高塘)
  • Yingxian (迎仙)
  • Feiyan (飞燕)

In 2009, Linquan hosted the first Anhui Folk Acrobatics Festival (安徽省民间杂技艺术节). The event has since become an annual summer highlight, attracting thousands of visitors.

Also in 2009, Hou Deshan, Hou Zhongyi, and Hou Jie (侯杰) founded the Haojie Acrobatic Art School (豪杰杂技艺术学校), which has since won over 40 national and provincial awards.

Recent Achievements:

  • Wang Mengchen (王梦尘) won the 2022 Chinese Acrobatic Golden Chrysanthemum Award (中国杂技金菊奖) for his performance Refining – Handstand Skills (炼——倒立技巧).
  • Linquan acrobats have performed on CCTV’s Amazing Chinese (出彩中国人) and at the Anhui Grand Theatre (安徽大剧院).
  • Troupes have toured Egypt, Thailand, Sweden, and beyond for cultural exchange events.