Many new programs have been created, collated or transplanted. As musical accompaniment, costumes, props and lighting have been improved, acrobatics have become a comprehensive stage art, performed by more than 100 troupes throughout China. A large number of young performers have been trained. The repertoire numbers more than 200 items. In October 1981, China Acrobatic Arts Association was established, launching Acrobatics and Magic, the first magazine on acrobatics in China. Acrobatics have played an important role in cultural exchanges between China and other nations. For 40 years, Chinese acrobatic troupes have toured to warm applause in more than 100 countries and regions throughout the world.
Since 1982, Chinese acrobats have taken part in 13 international competitions and won 23 gold medals. In that year, China entered the Circus of Tomorrow Festival for the first time in Paris and since then Chinese acrobats have won the Award of the President of France Five consecutive times. Apart from the international competitions, where Chinese acrobats often give breathtaking performances, people can still enjoy the art in many places in the country. In Beijing, for instance, people often go to Chaoyang Theatre in eastern Beijing, and the International Club near the major embassy area to watch wonderful performances by the China Acrobatic Troupe, the largest State-run acrobatic troupe in the country. Erqi Theatre in western Beijing is a place where people can watch performances by the Railway Acrobatic Troupe, one of the major troupes in the country.
