Circus and rap take center stage at tonight's opening ceremony of the 5th China International Circus Festival at Chimelong Hengqin International Circus City.

Festivities will be highly characterized by Zhuhai's local culture, says festival chief director and opening ceremony scenarist Li Xining. The ceremony will unfold Zhuhai's cityscape, folk customs, history, and culture through storytelling with acrobatics, rap, electronic music, and other forms, she disclosed.

Highlight of the weeklong circus will be a ventriloquist emcee and programs with extreme aesthetic feeling and thrilling excitement. What's more, the producer of a brand-new creation and props design for the ceremony will apply for a Guinness World Record, she added.

Li Xining

The 25 breathtaking performances by world-class acrobats from nearly 20 countries comprise magic, aerial, and stage stunts, clown shows and more, many of which have won Golden Clown Awards at the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo -- Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo. All the participating troupes are showing their first presence in China.

With a background in dance and rhythmic gymnastics, Li Xining has been vice president of Chinese Acrobats Association since September 2000 and chair of Theoretical Research Committee of Chinese Acrobats Association. Her programs have won 48 gold awards at domestic and international festivals and competitions all over the world.

Filinov Troupe-Russian Swing from Russia 

Themed Ode To Joy of the Circus World, the opening ceremony will begin with the program "A Stage" and end with "A Family," stringing with episodes of Shining the Skyland, Land Whispering, and Sharing the Beauty the Moon Displays.

Run to Infinity-Chinese Pole Act from Ukraine [Photos by Li Changxuan / Zhuhai Daily]