'City of circuses' looking to the future

The authorities in Suzhou, Anhui province, are supporting innovation in the circus industry, in the hope of building it into a "calling card" for the city.

In accordance with the city's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), the local authorities have established a special fund to boost innovation in the industry and plan to build a zoo for retired circus animals such as tigers, lions and bears.

Under the plan, Yong-qiao district will be developed into a circus-themed town that will feature a full industry chain, including a circus education training center, an animal-feed processing plant, a movie studio, and a trading center for animals.