The 12th China Wuqiao International Circus Festival opened on Saturday in Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei province.

 

More than 220 acrobats participating in the 9-day festival are from 22 countries and regions including Russia, the US, Canada, France, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, and Democratic People's Republic of Korea. 32 performances will compete for the Gold Lion Prize, one of the most prestigious prizes under the big-top.

The audiences are treated to traditional breathtaking programs such as the "Flying Man", or the "Grand Seesaw", and "Wirewalking", along with some brand new programs that represent recent developments and innovations in the profession.

There's "Electronic Screen Juggling" from the US, "Comic Trick-cycling" from France, and "Singer on Silk" from Australia. In addition to the large-scale competition, there will also be public performances, charity activities, and an international circus forum.

The festival was first launched in 1987 and is held every two years. This comprehensive international meeting of circus professionals is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Hebei Province, in hopes of promoting the exchange and growth of acrobatics at home and abroad.