Press release: The Peking Acrobats
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2025
Internationally Acclaimed Peking Acrobats Bring 2,000 Years of Chinese Acrobatic Tradition to the Carpenter Center on January 17 at 8 p.m.
LONG BEACH, Calif — The Peking Acrobats, one of the world’s longest-running touring ensembles devoted to traditional Chinese acrobatic arts, will appear at the Richard & Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. Their return to Southern California marks their fifth appearance at the Center and their first since 2017. Part of the Carpenter Center’s WOW! Series, the Peking Acrobats are joined in the series by Charo (Jan. 31) and Cirque Kalabanté – Afrique en Cirque (March 21).
Founded in 1986, The Peking Acrobats draw on centuries-old acrobatic arts while incorporating new technical achievements. Audiences of all ages will enjoy their performances of trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting, contortion, and gymnastics—executed with an emphasis on control, balance, and ensemble coordination. Each generation of artists joins the company after rigorous training, contributing refinements to the troupe’s repertoire. In addition to acrobatics, musicians accompany the performance live on traditional Chinese instruments, evoking the festive qualities of a Chinese carnival.
The acrobatic ensemble’s work spans stage, film, orchestral collaborations, and world-record feats. The troupe set the world record for the Human Chair Stack during an appearance on the FOX Network’s Guinness Book Primetime, balancing six performers on six chairs 21 feet in the air. Their work has also entered popular culture through appearances in film and television. Company members were featured in Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven, performing alongside principal cast members, while alumnus Shaobo Qin reprised his role in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen. Additional company credits include Unfabulous, The Wayne Brady Show, That’s Incredible, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, and NBC’s Ring In the New Year Holiday special.The Peking Acrobats have also collaborated with orchestras, including the Hollywood Bowl, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets to see The Peking Acrobats start at $38.75 or may be purchased alongside Charo and Cirque Kalabanté for only $117 as part of the WOW! Series.
Event Details
The Peking Acrobats
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 8 p.m. / Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Venue: The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center at 6200 E. Atherton St. Long Beach, CA 90815
Tickets: $38.75, available at carpenterarts.org.
Refreshments can be purchased and enjoyed in the Center’s lobby. Additional ticketing information is available at carpenterarts.org/ticket-office. Press photos are available at carpenterarts.org/press.
NEXT UP AT THE CARPENTER CENTER
Yacht Rock Gold Experience
Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 at 3 p.m.
MEB “Miles Electric Band” Celebrating the Miles Davis Centennial
Friday, Jan. 30 2026 at 8 p.m.
Charo
Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive
Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 8 p.m.
Attendance and Parking Information
We advise patrons to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page at www.carpenterarts.org/faqs before any performance for the most up-to-date attendance information.
Convenient parking is available directly in front of the Carpenter Center in lot G12. All parking lots on campus, including lot G12, are operated by CSULB’s Parking and Transportation Services, which sets all parking fees. The Carpenter Center does not earn any portion of the collected fees. Parking fees this season remain at $10 after 5:30 p.m. on weekdays and $10 all day on weekends. Additional parking information is available at www.carpenterarts.org/parking.
About the Carpenter Center
The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center is located on the campus of California State University, Long Beach. Its 1,054-seat theatre gracefully accommodates large and small productions, including a season of performances showcasing emerging and established musicians, dancers, actors, speakers, comedians, and visual artists, as well as other artistic, educational, and cultural experiences that enrich lives, promote lifelong learning in and through the performing arts, and serve as a gateway between the university and the greater community.
