Professional acrobatic shows are performed at the opening ceremony of the 14-day 17th China Wuqiao International Acrobatic Art Festival in Shijiazhuang, capital city of North China's Hebei province. [Photo by Geng Jia/for chinadaily.com.cn]

The 17th China Wuqiao International Acrobatic Art Festival opened on Friday night in Shijiazhuang, capital city of North China's Hebei province, with 30 professional shows in different competitions and performances across 14 days.

The shows, including swing hoop, double teeter-board, clowns and pole act, are chosen from more than 400 applicants and will be performed by teams from 18 countries.

The festival is hosted by the country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Hebei province. Launched in 1987, the festival is held every second year.