What do the New Shanghai Circus and the Baldknobbers have in common?

October 23rd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman

On October 22, the “New Shanghai Circus,” founded in Shanghai, China by Mr. Lizhi Zhao in 1991, received a plaque of recognition from Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association (CAA), honoring the “New Shanghai Circus” for sharing Chinese talent, entertainment and culture with the United States and other nations. What’s remarkable is that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, not in Shanghai, China, but over 7,254 miles away in Branson, Missouri.

Even more remarkable is the fact that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, and other representatives of the “New Shanghai Circus,” in the “New Shanghai Circus Theatre” built in Branson specifically to accommodate the performances of one of Branson’ s most unique and beautiful shows, “The Acrobats of China.” Some might ask, “What’s a Chinese acrobatic show doing in Branson, Missouri where the Baldknobbers country music and comedy show started it all 50 years ago?” The answer is, “Doing the same thing the Baldknobbers did, and are still doing 50 years later, providing Branson visitors with a quality entertainment experience.”

What an evolution has taken place since the first Baldknobbers show. The Branson show scene has grown and expanded to the point where, from comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera, the Branson entertainment experience has a high quality show available for just about every taste. Thanks the visionary and persistent efforts of Mr. Zhao and his business associates, since 1998 that experience has included the excitement, strength, grace, and beauty of Chinese acrobatics entertaining Branson audiences as the “The Acrobats of China” shares the incredible talents of its cast and their culture with Branson and the world.

Pictured below at the CAA recognition ceremony October 22, 2009, left to right are: Ms. Xu Ying, shareholder and Artistic Director; Mr. Lizhi Zhao, President and shareholder, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director City of Branson; Jim Strafus, Western District Taney County Commissioner; Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association; Mr. Ziqian Tan, shareholder and Mr. Jianhua Gu, shareholder.


In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.