Darwaz
( 2005-09-13 )

Darwaz, meaning "walking on a rope in the air" in the Uygur language, is one of the traditional sports of the Uygur ethic minority and has a very long history.

A traditional folk acrobatic art of the Uygur people,Darwazoriginated from China's western regions more than 2,000 years ago. It is said that in Northwest China'sXinjiangAutonomous Region only one family, who was the apprentice of Dawazi, was engaged in this performance art; hence the name.Darwazis similar to high wire walking inacrobatics, and the performers in general have great skill and exceptional courage.

On June 22, 1997, in order to welcomeHong Kongback to China, Adili, a young Uygur, performedDarwazover the torrents of theThree Gorges. He crossed the whole distance in only 13 minutes and 48 seconds, setting a new world record.