Jinan Acrobatic Troupe, a world class performing arts company from East China's Shandong province staged a breath-taking repertoire during the Chinese New Year celebration on Feb 9 in Wellington, capital of New Zealand.

The grand celebration, titled "East Meets West", was jointly organized by the Wellington City Council, the Asian Events Trust and the China Cultural Center in New Zealand to send Chinese New Year greetings to local communities.

More than 3,000 audience members from all walks of life took part in the celebration, including Justin Lester, mayor of Wellington and Guo Zongguang, director of the China Cultural Center in New Zealand.

Lester greeted the audience in Chinese and wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

"Wellington has established friendly city relations with many Chinese cities such as Beijing and Xiamen, which has enhanced the people-to-people exchanges and understanding between China and New Zealand," he said.

"Chinese New Year celebrations have become an important part of Wellington's events calendar and are a rich platform for local community groups to experience and be enriched by a vibrant and diverse culture."

Chen Yue, counselor at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, extended his thanks to all the organizations and individuals engaged in the celebration and he hoped that the show will enhance the understanding and appreciation of different cultures.

"The show is a rich cultural experience set in a contemporary context with local professional, community and international artists sharing the stage," said Chen.

"The year 2019 is the Year of the Pig. In Chinese culture, the pig is traditionally regarded as the most important of the six domesticated animals and it symbolizes happiness and good fortune. The Year of the Pig foretells good weather and a bumper harvest."

Chen also conveyed his best wishes to China and all the Chinese around the world.

The Jinan Acrobatic Troupe presented a program of classical and contemporary performing arts that combines Beijing Opera, martial arts and contemporary dance with traditional acrobatics, which wowed the present audience.  

A local audience member named Fiona marveled at the superb skills of the acrobats: "Their performances are incredible. I can't imagine how they can do those difficult movements."

"It's a great performance from all these consummate acrobats from China and I really enjoyed the show," said a local university student.

Founded in 1958, the Jinan Acrobatics Troupe has produced a large number of excellent acrobatics programs and has gained many international prizes and medals.

More than 3,000 audience members from all walks of life enjoy the "East Meets West" show to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Feb 9 in Wellington, capital of New Zealand. [Photo/chinaculture.org]

Actors from the Jinan Acrobatics Troupe perform during a Chinese New Year celebration gala on Feb 9 in Wellington, capital of New Zealand. [Photo/chinaculture.org]

Actors from the Jinan Acrobatics Troupe perform hoop diving skills at a Chinese New Year celebration gala on Feb 9 in Wellington, capital of New Zealand. [Photo/chinaculture.org]

Audiences are marveled at the excellent performance staged by the Jinan Acrobatics Troupe at a Chinese New Year celebration gala on Feb 9 in Wellington, capital of New Zealand. [Photo/chinaculture.org]