From a cultural unit supported by the central government, the troupe turned into a joint venture company in late 2004.

Its five shareholders - the Beijing Youth Daily, Cultural Facility Operation and Management Center under the Beijing Ministry of Culture, the TV Industry Development Center of Beijing Television Station, High School Property Development Co Ltd of Beijing Education Commission, and the Beijing Cultural Development Center - have invested 40 million yuan cumulatively in the venture.

The China Children's Art Troupe gave 303 performances in 2006, generating 55 million yuan in revenue. It did 398 shows in 2007 and 666 in 2008, with income touching 62.64 million yuan and 75.60 million yuan, respectively, for both years.

The troupe last year performed the children's fictional play Fuwa, based on the mascots of the Beijing Olympic Games. The play depicted how the five fuwas united to overcome difficulties and challenges and make the world peaceful and harmonious.

Later, the company built several small-sized Fuwa amusement parks catering to children in Beijing, China's capital city. The revenue from this business alone has the potential to make up one-fourth of its income going forward, insiders said.

(China Daily June 22, 2009)