Nationwide circus promotion tour starts in Hengqin

A national tour promoting circus culture has started in Beijing and will reach Shanghai, Guangzhou and Macao prior to the 4th China International Circus Festival, which is to take place from Nov 18 to 25, it was announced at the 100-day countdown on Aug 10.

A world-class circus event, the annual festival of performances and competition has been hosted thrice previously at the Hengqin Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort.

On Aug 10, hundreds of circus performers and Zhuhai residents rode shared bikes to the venue, a symbolic show of respect to the host city and invitation for more participation.

This year's festival will be staged at Hengqin Island Theater. Additionally, a national show called “Salute Cities” is in progress to spread enthusiasm for circuses and increase audience numbers in China, asserted Zhao Jian, deputy sales manager of Chimelong Group. The performances will be highlighted with local city landmarks.

Countdown ceremony for 4th China International Circus Festival [Photo by Zhu Xi / Zhuhai Daily]

So far, the festival has registered 28 teams from 20 countries including some Chinese entries with potential to win gold medals. Other contestants will come from Ukraine, Sweden, Russia, Australia, the United States, Italy, and Canada, many of which have won major circus festival awards.

Worldwide registration is still under way, with the number of applicants continuing to grow, according to Chen Jia, general manager of Chimelong Group (Zhuhai).

The festival is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Guangdong Government and organized by the Zhuhai government and Guangdong Chimelong Group.