The Eighth China Wuqiao International Acrobatics Festival will be held in Shijiazhuang City, capital of Hebei Province, from October 27 to November 4.

The biennial acrobatics gala, which is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the provincial government of Hebei, will be attended by acrobatic troupes from over 20 countries. The foreign acrobats are expected to give 25 shows during the festival.

A dozen Chinese acrobatic troupes will also participate in the festival, one of the best-known international acrobatics gatherings in the world, organizers said.

This year, magic shows will be added to the programs of the gala for the first time, with 60 local and foreign magicians to give performance. A workshop will also be held.

Wuqiao, a county in Hebei, is known as the "home of acrobats" as many local families have been engaged in acrobatic performances for generations.

(People's Daily 06/01/2001)