Going to an Acrobatics show is an event featured on most group travel itineraries to Beijing. This was my second trip to Beijing and both times I saw the Acrobatic show at the Chaoyang Theater, so I assume it is one of the more popular ones for group tours. If you look at the crowd it is apparent that this is a tourist attraction and not a local attraction. The crowd is mostly filled with tourists that are obviously not native Chinese. Most are Japanese and there are also plenty of Americans and Europeans. The best view of the show is from the lower seating area. I sat it there the first time and felt I got a lot better view of the show than I did the second time sitting in the upper balcony area.

The Acrobatic show is filled with different amazing acts. There is the Lion Dance, where two acrobats work together doing stunts in a lion costume. It is amazing to see two lions walking on a ball that is moving around stage. One of the acts is several females doing tricks with Chinese yoyos (those spinning things that are thrown in the air and caught on a string between to handles). I was in awe at their ability to throw the yoyo in the air, do flips, and still manage to catch it before it hit the ground.

My favorite act is when a guy balances on a makeshift sea saw and flips bowls onto his head. He puts the bowls on the edge of the board and slightly jumps on the other end to get the bowl to fly through the air and land on his head. He even flips a spoon into the last bowl.

The Acrobatic show is definitely worth seeing, but I recommend if you have a choice, to see an early evening show or at least not go when you are still adjusting to the time. Both times I went half my group fell asleep during the show, not because it was boring, but because it was dark and they were exhausted. I will admit this being my second time at the same place I almost fell asleep, but I still found it amazing to watch.