Chinese acrobats promise to carry out one of the most breathtaking performances when they light the main Olympic torch in the Bird's Nest during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics this August.

Acrobatic shows are a must-see for many foreigners in China.

Though no official confirmation of their act has been made, acrobatics - a quintessential Chinese art - will be able to give full play to its beauty and wow worldwide audiences during the event.

Like the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace, acrobatic performances are a must-see for foreigner visitors to Beijing.

Spinning plates on sticks, piling up bowls while cycling, forming huge pyramids of people, jumping through rings of fire, juggling large porcelain vases with feet and somersaulting on tight-wire - these are just some of the extraordinary skills carried out by Chinese acrobats.

Using basic props like chairs, plates and bowls, and accompanied by light music and a simple plot, Chinese acrobatics delights audiences, keeping them spellbound with the amazing feats and screaming for more.

As one of the most popular art forms in China, acrobatics has a long history. There are numerous historical records showing the existence of Chinese acrobatics as far back as the Xia Dynasty (c.21st century-16th century BC). But the art form did not become popular until about 2,500 years ago, when the country's emperors became amazed by the art.

The acrobatic art "Hundred Plays" witnessed its first boom in the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Based on stone-engravings unearthed in Yinan county, Shandong province, there were instances of acrobatic performances accompanied by music 2,000 years ago, such as "Fish Turned into Dragon (the present day Conjuring)", "Pole Climbing", "Rope-Walking (the present day Tight-Wire Feats)" and "Five Tables (the present Balance on Chairs)".

In the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), considered the golden age of ancient Chinese culture, the number of acrobats increased and their skills improved tremendously.

Evidence of acrobats and circus performers can also be found in the murals of the Dunhuang grottoes in Gansu province.

Since that time, the art of acrobatics has evolved into various forms, including dance, opera, martial arts and sports.

While it has enjoyed great popularity among the masses in its long history of development, acrobatics in old China was never performed in theaters because the nobility looked down on the art.

In old Beijing, most acrobats gathered in Tianqiao in Xuanwu district to perform their stunts.

Acrobatics has now become an important symbol of Chinese culture. When Beijing applied to host the 2008 Olympic Games, the breathtaking performances of Chinese acrobats completely impressed all members of the selection panel.

But being an acrobat is one of the most painstaking endeavors. Children have to begin their training as young as 4 or 5, spending the first two years learning basic skills, such as dancing and tumbling, before moving on to specialized roles.

Acrobats can practice for at least 10 hours a day and a 10-minute show usually requires five years of training.

The career span of an acrobat is also short. Many performers retire before 30 because of injuries and weakening physical strength.

Most acrobats practice qigong, the Chinese breathing and mental art that helps focus attention and aid body and mind to work in harmony.

With its effective training techniques, Chinese acrobatics now attracts many athletes and coaches. The national Chinese canoeing team has visited the National Acrobatic Troupe a number of times to learn the secrets of balance, focus and teamwork.

(China Daily June 27, 2008)