‘Rings' stadium being forged

The Chimelong International Ocean Resort International Circus Stadium on Hengqin Island, likened to the Lord of the Rings, is being fine-tuned for a grand opening on November 20.

The 300 million yuan ($49.23 million) stadium, covering 8,000sqm, will bring together a fellowship of up to 2,700 people. It is encircled by a ring-like wall which is both concave and convex.

The stadium was designed by the Guangzhou Design Institute and the exterior curtain wall was designed by Zhuhai King Glass Engineering Group, which worked on National Grand Theatre in Beijing.

The outside of the stadium has 2,100 aluminum plates, the largest 4sqm. The curtain wall is supported by a steel structure with each aluminum plate adjustable for precise installation and maintenance, according to a project manager named Chen.

Hollow toughened low-e coated glass has been applied to the curtain wall on the ground floor while the first-floor canopy has the shape of a lotus flower. Most difficult was the large-span overhanging steel structure, curved aluminum plates and 900kg hollow laminated tempered glass, Chen explained.

A wavy fresco has been installed overhead in the stadium hall displaying a flying trapeze, star animals, and clowns at a cost of over 1 million yuan ($16.4 million).

Inside the stadium, high-tech lighting, sound, lifting and rotating facilities add luster to the performances.

"The circus stadium is the most advanced and professional circus performance venue in the world," festival art director Li Chi asserted.

The audience area of 2,700 red chairs surrounds a round stage with a diameter of 13m. The background wall of the performing area is decorated with small lights and inlaid with multi- faceted crystals which gleam like stars. The globular structure on top of the stadium has multi-colored lighting fixtures.

Backstage, densely dotted metal racks support the stage and effects. There is also a cellar with lifting devices.

The holding pens for star animals are in a row of yellow bungalows separated with 4-5m wire mesh southeast of the stadium. Also north of the bungalows are iron cages of different sizes for circus animals. Non-staff are not allowed to approach, a staff member said.