Traditional Chinese magic circus has gradually formed a rigorous system through years of testing and the scrutiny of different groups.

In 2015, at the age of 27, Sun Zheng became the fourth-generation successor of court magic under the tutelage of Qin Mingxiao, a national first-class actor and the inheritor of court magic. 

Sun Zheng had already gained a certain degree of popularity in the circle at that time, thanks to over 10 years of studying magic, which gave him a solid foundation in performance and a high level of professionalism.

Sun Zheng performs court magic for the audience. [Photo/beijingetown.com.cn]

"The court magic is a branch of the traditional Chinese magic circus, representing the northern style of magic in our country and the magic faction appreciated by the royal court in ancient times. Master Yang Xiaoting was the court magician of Empress Dowager Cixi (1835-1908) and emperor Puyi (1906-1967)," Sun said.

After starting his apprenticeship, Sun Zheng gained a deeper understanding of the techniques in court magic and gradually mastered the key elements of performance.

How to bring new elements to ancient magic? Sun Zheng set his sights on the China chic. He aimed to package traditional Chinese magic in a way that appealed to young people, using light-hearted and comedic performances to promote its unique charm. 

When "Magic Legends" premiered in 2021, Sun Zheng had high hopes for it.

"Magic Legends," which combines magic with drama, storytelling, cross talk, traditional Chinese opera, poetry, and DJ performances, achieved great success and won numerous fans. 

"This play not only received support from the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles for artistic creation and was awarded the title of 'Excellent Work' by the Beijing Acrobats Association, but it was also highly sought after in the market. Tickets for the performances were hard to come by, and its popularity lasted for two years."

Sun Zheng admits that his future is tied to court magic. As a fifth-generation inheritor, revitalizing traditional Chinese magic circus is not only his responsibility but also his mission.