China's outstanding wizards

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-17 10:40

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 outstanding wizards

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 andYao Jinfen, 60

A well-known magician couple renowned for their grand performances and breakthroughs to traditional acrobatics.