He also says that Cirque du Soleil plans to open a permanent show in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, its first on the Chinese mainland.

"We are building a state-of-the-art theater in Hangzhou, with the collaboration of our local Chinese partner XTD. Starting early 2019, the theater will present a spectacular resident show featuring a new technological concept never before seen anywhere in the world. With this show, we are looking at how we can marry the Cirque du Soleil signature with the Chinese culture. That show is being created specifically to cater to Chinese audiences," says Lamarre.

Cirque du Soleil has worked with the Chinese Performing Arts Agency for 30 years to hire Chinese performers for its various shows around the globe. The company has also established its Asia headquarters in Shanghai.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn