The word "dawaz" in Uygur means aerial
tightrope walking. According to historical records and uncovered relics, this
form of art has at least a history of over 2000 years and it originated in
Western Regions in China. Dawaz is an ancient sport widespread among the
Uygurs.
Dawaz had
been introduced to the Central Plains by the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) but now
it has vanished. In the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, only one kin is
engaged in this acrobatics program. In the pedigree of this kin, the
first-generation Dawaz artist began to perform this program more than 420
years ago.
Adhili Hoshur became a living icon in Uygur
Dawaz when he made a new Guinness record in 1998 walking across China's famous
Three Gorges in the shortest time-span. Adhili also in October 6, 2000
successfully walking across a stainless steel rope connecting two peaks on the
Hengshan Mountain in Hunan Province.
Holding a 12-kilogram balance bar, he walked
steadily into the clouds and then disappeared before the eyes of millions of
television viewers watching a live broadcast of the record-breaking attempt.
Once Ahdili's walk got under way, it took him 52 minutes to walk the 1,399.6
metres from peak to peak.
Adhili made a Guinness record and received
the honorary title of "the King of the Sky" from Chinese Acrobats Association in
Beijing for his successful performance.