The later generation of magic practitioners, headed by Zhang Huichong, furthered the hybrid form of magic acts by infusing traditional Chinese magic into Western-style illusion acts.
After China's reform and opening-up in the late 1970s, magicians from abroad began visiting China more frequently. In 1980, Marc Wilson from the United States became the first magician to perform on the Chinese mainland since the founding of New China in 1949. In 2002, David Copperfield caused a stir with his performances of walking through the Great Wall.
And now, Liu Qian has created a sensation with his phenomenal close-up performances and exposed Chinese audiences to a new, refreshing and delightful art form.
China's outstanding wizards
Ching Ling Foo (1854-1922)
A master who was the first true Oriental magician to achieve world fame. He is credited with inventing the magic can called Foo Can and is also said to be the inspiration for many other magicians.
Han Ping Chien (1891-1930)
A stage magician who achieved his greatest success touring the United States and Europe in the first two decades of the 1900s. Credited with inventing the Han Bing Qian coin trick.
Zhang Huichong (1898-1962)
A modern magician, inspired by his European counterpart Horace Goldin (inventor of the "sawing a woman in half" illusion). He is credited with the hybrid form of magic acts that combine traditional Chinese tricks with Western stunts.
Li Ning, 34
A star magician, renowned for his Huang Shan trickery that no one else can perform.
Liu Qian, 33
China's foremost close-up magician who has won numerous prizes including the Neil Foster-Bill Baird Award for Excellence in Manipulation, one of the highest honors in the field.
Qin Mingxiao, 64 and Yao Jinfen, 60
A well-known magician couple renowned for their grand performances and breakthroughs to traditional acrobatics.
Editor: Liu Fang
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