The 8th China International Circus Festival Celebrates a Week of World-Class Performances

The 8th China International Circus Festival was held at the Chimelong Kaka Theater in Hengqin, Guangdong from November 1-8, 2025. Hosted by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and co-organized by the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and Guangdong Chimelong Group, the event brought together 18 world-class circus troupes and over 500 artists from around the globe. Under the theme “Circus of the world, gather in Hengqin”, the event offered a distinguished celebration of the performing arts that fostered cultural exchange and mutual understanding across languages and traditions.

This year’s program featured leading circus artists from Russia, the United States, Mexico, Mongolia, and China, as well as several other countries and regions. The productions encompassed a broad range of artistic disciplines, including acrobatics, dance, clowning, and magic, and showcased works characterized by regional flair and creative diversity. Among the highlighted performances were multiple gold medal-winning acts from major international circus awards, offering audiences an immersive encounter with different cultures and the enduring appeal of circus artistry.

“Circus is international by nature—it transcends borders and connects different peoples”, said Urs Pilz, President of Fédération Mondiale du Cirque (the World Circus Federation) and Vice President of Monte-Carlo Circus Festival. “China has earned more top honors at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival than any other nation. Both the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo and the China International Circus Festival stand among the world’s most prominent circus events.” Mr. Pilz also commended Chimelong’s artistic development, noting that its productions have continually set new standards and earned recognition worldwide.

With the successful conclusion of its 8th edition, the China International Circus Festival will continue to contribute to the vitality of global circus culture from its base in Hengqin. With a spirit of openness, confidence, and creativity, the festival aims to share a distinctive Chinese perspective with the international community, while supporting the cultural development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.