Acrobats from Zhejiang Folk Art & Acrobatics General Troupe pose after an acrobatics show in Paris, France. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

An array of performances combining Chinese stories and Chinese acrobatics art from a Zhejiang troupe proved to be a hit in France, with their three-month performing residency in the European country, which started last November, concluding on Feb 12.

At the invitation of Cirque Phenix, a famous French circus based in Paris, a group of 40 acrobats from Zhejiang Folk Art & Acrobatics General Troupe arrived in the city on Nov 16, 2018 for a special Chinese acrobatics session of the Christmas and New Year shows.

Over the following three months, they presented traditional Chinese stories with athletic moves and skillful tricks in the capital city and went on a performing tour in 11 French cities, which showcased Chinese culture to over 400,000 people.

Alain Pacherie, director of Cirque Phénix, said the Chinese team, with a good command of acrobatics techniques, was quite impressive. "These performers had pleasant interactions with our audiences, making the shows very successful."

Zhai Jun, Chinese ambassador to France, highly applauded the performances from China after attending a show on Christmas Day, 2018 and extended gratitude for the acrobats' contribution to China-France friendship.

French children pose with the Monkey King performer backstage. [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]