Yu Xuetong (Ancient Conjuring Arts)

Yu Xueting, a native of Caiyu Village, Beisong Town, Lijin County. Born on November 28, 1958. He graduated from junior high school in early 1976 and worked as a civilian worker at the Lijin County Yellow River Flood Control Section in 1977. In 1978, he joined the army to become a glorious PLA soldier. After being discharged in 1982, he went out to learn business. On the way, he accidentally met Zhang Xincai, a master of ancient magic performance art in Chendong Village, Lunzhen Town, Yucheng County, Shandong Province, in Daxiang Town, Guangrao County. The two hit it off at first sight and became close friends. Under Yu Xueting's sincere request, Zhang Xincai accepted Yu Xueting as his chief disciple and carefully taught him classic ancient magic tricks. Since then, Yu Xueting has embarked on the path of magical art. Ancient magic is an ancient folk art with a long history. Since the Southern Song Dynasty, it has been used for entertainment at imperial court ceremonies and folk gatherings. From ancient times to the present, magicians usually wear overcoats, turn around in front of the audience before the performance, and "show" their costumes to prove they are genuine before starting the performance. Magicians emphasize the "eight-character mantra", which is called "bind, tie, hide, tuck, tear, carry, pick, and untie." That is, "bind, tie, hide, tuck" for backstage preparations and "tear, carry, pick, and untie" for the performance. Since 1982, under Master Zhang Xincai's guidance, Yu Xueting has diligently studied the art of ancient magic. He practiced performances during the day and memorized lines at night. After some practice, he gradually became capable of performing on stage, learning while practicing, and continuously improving his techniques during performances. Over the years, Yu Xueting has relied on magic performances to make a living, traveling all over the country. He has been to cities like Binzhou, Zibo, Weifang, Changle in Shandong Province, Dalian, Liaoning, Shenyang in Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, Yinchuan, Ulanqab Left Banner, Wutai Mountain in Shaanxi Province, Hami City, Urumqi, Dashizi, Xiaoshizi in Gansu Province. His footprints for street performances have almost covered the entire country. Yu Xueting has collaborated with art troupes such as the Zibo Magic Troupe, Ningjin Acrobatics Troupe, Wuqiao Circus Troupe, etc. In 2012, Yu Xueting was hired as the business director of the "Spring Voice Performance Art Troupe". He led the troupe to actively participate in Dongying City's "Cultural Benefits for the People, Entertaining Thousands of Villages and Ten Thousand Families, Hundred Troupes Performances" activities, entering rural areas, communities, campuses, and performing various ancient magic art entertainment programs at venues such as the New Century Square, Qingfenghu Theatre, Wenhuajie Subdistrict, Shikou Town, Niuzhuang Town, Lixin West Lake Spring, Yigui Garden, Yinzuo Garden, etc., allowing the public to enjoy rich and colorful cultural life. In June 2017, Yu Xueting was interviewed by Dongying TV's "Close-up Comprehensive Channel" with the theme of "A Retired Veteran Practices Ancient Magic Tricks for 40 Years". He performed a variety of splendid ancient magic tricks, receiving widespread praise from television viewers. On September 12, 2017, Yu Xueting was interviewed by Qilu TV's "Little Brother La Gua" column with the theme of "This Old Man Is Really Strong, Daring to Taste Steel Balls". He showcased ancient magic tricks in exquisite performance techniques, deeply loved by the audience. Yu Xueting is passionate about ancient magic art. He has proficiently mastered over a hundred ancient magic tricks such as "Three Immortals Return to the Cave", "Skillfully Connecting Six Linked Rings", "Swallowing Steel Balls", "Mandarin Duck Stick", "Taking Wine from an Empty Bowl", "Changing Eggs in an Empty Bowl", "Presenting Colors with a Basket Ring", "Taking Objects from an Empty Bucket", "Immortal Clothes Off", "Unbreakable Red Rope", etc. Especially for the four major skills of ancient magic: "Sword (Swallowing a Treasure Sword)", "Egg (Swallowing Steel Balls)", "Bean (Immortal Picking Beans)", "Ring (Skillfully Connecting Six Linked Rings)", he has practiced them repeatedly and can use them freely. Yu Xueting has won the heartfelt praise of professionals and the general approval of the public with his superb skills and good artistic conduct. On December 29, 2018, Yu Xueting was admitted as a member of the "Shandong Province Acrobatic Artists Association" and received a membership certificate. This marks that this art talent who came from the countryside has taken another solid step forward on the path of inheriting and promoting ancient magic art.