Xu Guolei, a student majoring in Leisure Sports at Wuhan Huaxia Institute of Technology, captured national attention with his "flying on water with fire pots" performance at the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala’s Chongqing venue. This audacious act integrated the intangible cultural heritage of "fire juggling" with modern "water flying," creating a spectacle that bridged tradition and innovation.
Raised along the Qingjiang River, Xu developed swimming and freediving skills from a young age. His ambition to become a professional performer crystallized in high school after witnessing a "water flying" show at Yichang’s Tianlong Bay. During his life in HXIT, he joined the Huaxia Rowing Club and Hubei Provincial Motorboat Team to hone his expertise.
Recognizing the commercial potential of water flying, Xu launched his venture despite challenges like market penetration difficulties and funding shortages. His team pioneered innovative nighttime performances featuring LED light shows and pyrotechnics, leveraging social media to build a loyal fan base.
In summer 2024, Xu encountered the endangered art of "fire juggling" at Enshi Water Park and embarked on a daring fusion project. After months of research and equipment modifications (including waterproofed flame vessels and custom fireproof suits), his team unveiled a revolutionary act: performers soared 15 meters above water while manipulating synchronized fire streams.
The act’s viral success earned Xu a prime slot at the 2025 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, in front of a global audience of billions, he ascended from a massive pool on the equipment, his fire jugs erupting in golden flames choreographed to rhythmic music. This gravity-defying synthesis of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology cemented Xu’s reputation as an innovator and exponentially boosted his company’s profile.
Now hailed as a trailblazer, Xu plans to expand his repertoire by integrating more water sports and intangible cultural heritage elements into performances. "My mission," he states, "is to make ancient traditions thrill modern audiences through the poetry of motion on water." His journey continues to inspire a new generation to imagine cultural preservation through passion and artistry.
