Wuqiao

Wuqiao county has been associated with acrobatics for something close to two thousand years, with archaeological finds showing performers in Eastern Han tombs, and the local saying holds that every household can perform and every child knows a trick. Poor soil and frequent flooding pushed families into itinerant performing, and Wuqiao performers spread through China and abroad, with troupes worldwide still recruiting here. The Acrobatic World theme park stages shows of tumbling, balancing, contortion and animal acts, and demonstrates the training that produces them. The Wuqiao International Acrobatic Festival, held in Shijiazhuang, is one of the major events of its kind globally.

What you actually see

• The acrobatic shows - tumbling, balancing and contortion performances.
• The training displays - demonstrations of how performers are prepared.
• The village tradition - the county's long association with the craft.
• The theme park - the purpose-built venue with staged performances.

When to go

April to October for comfortable weather; the theme park runs shows daily with more frequent performances at weekends and holidays. The international festival is held in Shijiazhuang, usually in autumn of odd-numbered years.

Honest expectations

The site is a theme park rather than a traditional village experience, with staged shows on a schedule. Animal acts feature in some performances, which many visitors find uncomfortable. The county is remote from major tourist routes.

Nearby

Cangzhou lies north; Dezhou is across the border in Shandong.