The opening ceremony of the 20th China Wuqiao International Circus Festival in Wuqiao county, Hebei province, Sept. 28, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The 20th China Wuqiao International Circus Festival opened on Sept. 28 in Wuqiao county, Cangzhou, Hebei province. For the first time, the event's main activities are being held in Wuqiao, renowned as the "Hometown of Chinese Acrobatics." A series of related activities will continue through Oct. 8.

Performers from the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe present "Auspicious Lions Leaping Across Nine Continents" at the opening of the 20th China Wuqiao International Circus Festival in Wuqiao county, Hebei province, Sept. 28, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

This year's competition features 28 performances, including outstanding acts from 19 countries and regions such as Russia, the United States and Australia. The festival will present three Golden Lion, five Silver Lion, and seven Bronze Lion awards.

On the evening of Sept. 28, Chinese and foreign acrobatic artists staged a spectacular performance titled "Dream of Wuqiao." The breathtaking skills and stunning displays won waves of applause from the audience.

Acrobats perform at the opening ceremony of the 20th China Wuqiao International Circus Festival in Wuqiao county, Hebei province, Sept. 28, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

During the festival, 12 top domestic acts supported by the China National Arts Fund will present special performances, showcasing the achievements of Chinese acrobatic arts. At the same time, an acrobatics exhibition and Grand Canal intangible cultural heritage joint exhibition highlight local cultural features and offer visitors an immersive tourism experience.

Since its establishment in 1987, the China Wuqiao International Circus Festival has grown to become one of the world's three major acrobatic competitions, alongside the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo in Monaco and the World Circus Festival of Tomorrow in Paris. Over the years, the event has attracted more than 30,000 guests and acrobatic artists from over 60 countries and regions to gather in Hebei.

Acrobatic artists from the United States and Australia perform an aerial routine at the opening of the 20th China Wuqiao International Acrobatics Art Festival in Wuqiao county, Hebei province, Sept. 28, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

In 2006, Wuqiao acrobatics was designated a national-level intangible cultural heritage in China, and the county is home to the world's only theme park dedicated to the art form.