Acrobatics in ancient China were a product of the people and as such were interwoven with the people's productive labor, daily life and religious ceremonies. For instance, "Pole-Climbing" is based on the movements of climbing trees and bamboo poles; and "Balancing a Bamboo Pole," "Shuttlecocks" and "Diabolos" are elaborations of folk games and sports. Over the long course of their development, Chinese acrobatics have always been imbued with an exuberant vitality thanks to their deep roots in the soil of the people's life.

In 1950, the first state acrobatic troupe, the China Acrobatic Troupe, was organized. Soon afterward many local acrobatic troupes were set up at all levels. Well-known professional acrobatic troupes include the China Acrobatic Troupe, Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, Chongqing Acrobatic Troupe, Guangzhou Soldiers' Acrobatic Troupe, Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe, and Wuhan Acrobatic Troupe. They often travel far from their bases to visit factories, mines and the countryside to perform for the people and have been sent abroad to perform in over 100 countries and regions. Many acrobatic performances have won prizes at international acrobatic performances and contests, such as "A Pagoda of Bowls," "Plate Spinning," "Cup Rolling," "Kicking Feats," "Jumping Through Hoops," "Conjuring," "Diabolos," "Lion Dance," "Trick Cycling," "Juggling with the Flower Jar," "Magic," "Hard Qigong" and "Drawing Five Bows."