Golden week entertainment: Magic Festival at Beijing's Happy Valley

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There's lots of entertainment in the capital during Golden Week. Thirty of the world's best magicians are gathering in Beijing. They are here for the National Day holiday to entertain audiences, using the arts of deception, distraction and sleight of hand -- and to create worlds of illusion.

There's lots of entertainment in the capital during Golden  Week. Thirty of the world's best magicians are gathering  in Beijing.

A Greek magician works his legerdemain against a backdrop resembling Athens' Acropolis. His performance deftly accomplished its objective of twisting and confusing perceptions of time and space.

It was the opening show of the Magic Festival at Beijing's Happy Valley--the city's foremost entertainment park. This year the National Day celebrations feature magic shows by thirty world famous magicians. They come from nine countries, including Russia, Switzerland and Japan.

Visitors have options to view magic shows rooted in a wide array of traditions. Each magician has a different approach but each is capable of startling, amazing and amusing spectators in his own unique way. During national week there will be 50 performances daily at Happy Valley.