Chinese acrobatics has a long and distinguished history. During the Spring and Autumn Periods (11^th Century B.C. until 221 B.C.) there were many acrobatic styles under development. Throughout the Han Dynasty (221 B.C. until 220 A.D.) Chinese acrobatics, then called "A hundred Games", began to develop a more defined and purposeful style. After the North and South Jin Dynasties (189-589), acrobatics became known as "Sanyue", and performances became more adventurous and varied. In the Song Dynasty (960-1279) acrobatics became a are very popular form of entertainment for the masses.

Chinese acrobats have received worldwide acclaim for their agility. The best performers can do an amazing variety of tricks, from balancing on chairs, kung fu, mass bicycle riding and juggling. Chinese acrobatics is characterised by its beauty, grace and the suppleness of the performers. Since the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China in 1949, Chinese acrobatics has taken on even more forms, and won many international awards.

In Beijing folklore, acrobatics was considered a particularly grand form of art. Since the Qing Dynasty (1644), many famous acrobats came from the area called ‘Sky Bridge'. During the Qing Dynasty, they often gave impromptu performances on the street. The Big Beijing Circus, a professional troupe which specialised in keeping both traditional aspects to their routines, as well as adding new touches, originated from this area. Over the part fifty years, this troupe has been very active in competitions and performances abroad. They have visited over forty counties including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, France and Russia.