The performance market is recovering in China after a recession of sorts, according to today 's Wenhui Daily.

By the end of last year, China's art troupes have risen to 2, 640 from 2,500 in 1997. There were 422,000 concerts, plays, magic and puppet shows performed by the end of 1998, an increase of 7, 000 from 1997.

The front-page article said that East China is the strongest market for performing groups. The region includes Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces as well as Shanghai Municipality.

An official of the Market Department of the Ministry of Culture noted that the recovery of the performing market has a lot to do with art troupes successfully making a transition in the market economy.