The 8th China International Circus Festival: A World-Class Showcase in Hengqin

From November 1 to 8, 2025, the Chimelong Kaka Theater in Hengqin, Guangdong, hosted the 8th China International Circus Festival. This much-anticipated event, organized by the People's Government of Guangdong Province in collaboration with the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone at Hengqin and the Guangdong Chimelong Group, brought together an impressive mix of 18 top circus troupes from across the globe, featuring over 500 artists. The festival’s theme, "Circus of the World, Gather in Hengqin," embodied its mission to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding through stunning performances that transcended language and tradition.

The lineup showcased leading circus talents from various nations, including Russia, the USA, Mexico, Mongolia, and China, among others. Audiences were treated to a wide array of artistic disciplines such as acrobatics, dance, clowning, and magic, all characterized by regional flair and creative diversity. Highlights included award-winning acts featured in major international competitions, providing spectators with profound cultural immersion and a reminder of the enduring appeal of circus arts.

Urs Pilz, President of the Fédération Mondiale du Cirque and Vice-President of the Monte Carlo Circus Festival, remarked, "Circus art is inherently international; it breaks borders and unites different peoples. China has earned more accolades at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival than any other nation. Both events are among the most significant circus festivals in the world." He commended Chimelong's artistic trajectory, which consistently sets new standards and earns global recognition.

Su Zhigang, Chairman of the co-organizing Chimelong Group, expressed the company’s aspiration to blend the depth and precision of Chinese acrobatics with the aesthetics and humor found in European circus traditions. This cultural fusion resulted in a series of technically skilled and closely coordinated performances throughout this year’s festival, leaving audiences with an unforgettable experience. The colorful spectacles reflected the dynamic exchange between Chinese and international circus arts at Hengqin, serving both as artistic collaboration and a vibrant expression of the festival's core theme, "Global Circus Arts Converge in Hengqin."

For 28 years, Chimelong has unified top-tier circus performance under one roof. Through continual evolution, these productions have stayed true to traditional forms while pursuing innovation, striving for and surpassing excellence. From the early International Circus Gala, highlighting the best circus acts worldwide, to the magnificent creations like Magic Legend and its sequel, Magic Legend III, and finally to the Chimelong Show, which won the 31st TEA Thea Award for outstanding achievement in the Spectacle Show category, Chimelong offers performances year-round reflecting its commitment to a high-quality cultural and entertainment program.

Guided by Chairman Su Zhigang's principle of "pursuing only the highest standards," Chimelong has built its circus empire from the ground up through unwavering dedication to excellence. H.E. Marie-Pascale Boisson, Monaco's Ambassador to China, conveyed her appreciation during her visit to the Chimelong Show, highlighting that circus art represents a unique and critical connection between Monaco and China. As 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, she expressed her intention to continue collaborating with the Chimelong Group to shape the future of contemporary circus arts globally.

With the successful completion of its 8th edition, the China International Circus Festival from Hengqin aims to continue enriching the vitality of the global circus culture. With a spirit of openness, trust, and creativity, the festival seeks to share a unique Chinese perspective with the international community while fostering the cultural development of the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao.