The famous French Air Force aerobatics squad, "Patrouille de France" (PAF), staged its last show in Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province on Sunday, wrapping up its display in China that started on Oct. 11.
Approximately 50,000 people observed the display at the Zhuhai Airport where eight Alpha jets danced "magic ballet" in the airspace about 500 to 1,500 meters above the ground.
Within half an hour, the squad presented 28 stunts and 10 different formations, leaving red, white and blue trails behind to represent the national flag of France.
Part of the "French Culture Year" activities in China, the performance also officially marked the beginning of the Fifth China Aviation Exhibition in Zhuhai and another 17 Sino-French cultural exchange events in Guangdong.
The PAF had previously performed in Beijing, Wuhan (capital of central China's Hubei Province) and Hong Kong.
Established in 1931, the PAF consists of only elite pilots selected from throughout the French Air Force and enjoys a strong international reputation. Aged between 30 and 38, each pilot must have a minimum of 1,500 hours flying time in jet aircraft and hold the title of team leader from his original squadron before even being considered to join the group.
Since 1953, the team has performed in more than 30 countries and drawn more than 60 million viewers.