Shanghai has begun a pilot program to issue certificates to outstanding street artists, which let them perform in public spaces, something that has been done for years in many western countries. Some of those certified artists began their "official" performances over the weekend.

The certificates may expire. It needs to be updated every month, every three months or every half year.

Shanghai performer Lu Xinyi will be presenting his crystal ball show at a downtown shopping mall for a month. And he no longer needs to worry about being chased away by the urban management officials or security guards any more. He says that has happened a lot since he returned from Malaysia.

"If someone comes up to me, I can tell him I am certified. I am a real artist. I really enjoy performing on the street. The street is also a stage. We perform for everyone passing by," Lu said.

Lu is among the first eight street artists to be given government certificates. Their specialties include handicrafts, singing and magic. The Shanghai Performance Trade Association selected them over the past year and provided training and exams from experts. But that does not mean they can perform on the street forever.

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