Poetry in motion

Widely regarded as the "cradle of Chinese acrobatics", the acrobatic tradition in Wuqiao grew both from hard times and opportunity: impoverished, flood-prone farmland once forced locals to turn seasonal off-farm work into a livelihood, transforming daily tools into props for performances. Its location along the Grand Canal of China also helped spread the art to wider audiences.

A total of 28 programs from 19 countries and regions were shortlisted from more than 600 submissions for this year's festival. Two Chinese acts won the top honor — one blending traditional lion dance with modern innovation, and another displaying exquisite bowl-balancing techniques. The National Circus of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea also earned a Gold Lion prize for its high-difficulty Flying Trapeze. Other award-winning performances from Bulgaria, Canada, Mexico, Mongolia, Russia, Tanzania, and Ukraine captivated audiences with their creativity and style.