World Circus Federation president Urs Pilz of Monte Carlo promoted the culture and art of happiness as celebrations of the 10th World Circus Day began in Chimelong International Ocean Tourist Resort on April 20.

That night, Mango TV anchor Li Rui, pop idol Xu Sheng'en, and Tik Tok (Douyin) celebrity Abbily, performed as the first trainees of Go Debut! Drama Queen!. Li Rui went to Guangzhou Changlong International Circus for the "Global Speed" challenge. Xu Sheng'en overcame two new stunts in Zhuhai Chimelong Theater. And, Abbily starred at Zhuhai Chimelong Hengqin International Circus City. With only 48 hours of training, they showed off their new skills.

World Circus Day celebrations 

Pilz spoke highly of the ingenious event, which brought the stars and several circus lovers from the auditorium to the training ground and stage. There, they experienced the hardships of circus performers, cutting-edge stage technologies, and profound charm of the art form. He granted the trainees graduation certificates.

Thousands of audience members along with Pilz put on clowns' red-noses – the symbol of a circus -- to watch and enjoy performances including Wonderland, Gibadullins Jugglers, and Aerial Hoop among other Circus City regulars.

Urs Pilz at the mic

World Circus Day has been celebrated on the third Saturday of April every year since 2010 under the initiative of Monaco Princess Stephanie, who is an honorary member of the World Circus Federation.

Chimelong has hosted nearly 500 circus performers and over 30 million spectators at its Zhuhai and Guangzhou resorts over the past 19 years. The expanded Hengqin Theatre complex, which features a two-layer grandstand design and 270° circular stage, will open this summer, according to Li Xining, assistant president of Chimelong Group.

Up to 6,500 spectators can be accommodated in the complex and treated to an all-new original circus performance by more than 260 artists from over 20 countries and regions. The show, integrating acrobatics, aerial stunts, extreme sports, clowns, magic acts, water ballet, and equestrianism, is intended to thrill spectators.

The 6th China International Circus Festival will move to the new venue in November.

Court jesters [Photos by Guan Wenqing / cnr.cn]