Featuring dazzling stunts from international troupes, the second China International Circus Festival looks set to thrill local fans in Zhuhai, Guangdong province while enhancing cultural exchanges in global limelight.

After its debut in the Southern China coastal city in 2013, the biennial festival kicked off its second edition at the Hengqin Chimelong International Circus City in Zhuhai with a grand opening show on Monday night aimed at promoting circus arts through international exchanges.

Swiss magician Peter Marvey performs his signature magic during the 2nd China International Circus Festival at Zhuhai Hengqin Chielong International Circus City on November 1, 2015. [Photo by Sun Xiaochen / China Daily]

"The festival helps to demonstrate the unique charm of Chinese culture and exchange the advanced concepts and innovative thinking of world circus and acrobatics. It will promote the cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the world," Chen Yunxian, vice-governor of Guangdong province, said at the opening ceremony.

The gala this year attracted 30 of the world's top circus and acrobatic troupes from 20 countries and regions with their animals, gadgets and gimmicks to compete against each other in front of a high-profile judging panel including Bian Faji, famous Chinese acrobatic artist, and Eugene Chaplin, son of the late comic master Charlie Chaplin.

The circus contest does not set limits to participants regarding nationality, gender or number of performers for group performances. Competing acts include comic clowns, acrobatics in the air and on the stage, magic and more.

Some of the most anticipated performances include a traditional Chinese acrobatic show, the Buddhists World, from Hebei province, the semifinalist ventriloquism show of the 2015 "British Got Talent" from Frenchman Marc Metral and innovative magic from Swiss great Peter Marvey.

Approved by the Ministry of Culture, the festival is co-organized by the Zhuhai Municipal People's Government and Guangdong Chimelong Group Co Ltd, property developer of the circus city.

Ding Wei, vice-minister of culture, said hosting the circus festival helps cement China's role as a cultural intersection in the region.

"As eye-catching and lively as it is, the festival together with various culture and arts activities marks the country's steady steps to make itself a dynamic hub for cultural exchange in the world," said Ding.

The event's competition section will conclude on Thursday with an awards ceremony, where two Golden, three Silver and four Bronze Tiger Awards will be presented to competing troupes.

As one of the charitable highlights of the festival, the event organizing committee presented two free-access circus shows at the competing venue, featuring all 30 participating troupes on Oct 30 and Oct 31 for almost 10,000 migrant workers, laborers at construction sites, urban hygiene workers and representatives from underprivileged families.

The festival will continue its community outreach programs after the competition phase to bring selected performances to local neighborhoods near Zhuhai Sports Center, University of Macau's Hengqin Campus and Jinwan District Sanzao Center Primary School from Nov 6 to Nov 12.

"By adhering strictly to the principles of 'government-led, enterprise in charge, marketing operation and to the benefits of the people', and with an aim to launch a high-standard international circus event and create a competing stage for various acts with authoritative awards, we are determined to organize a joyous and successful international circus event to promote circus arts through international exchanges, and enrich the cultural life of the people while boosting socioeconomic development, thus making the event truly a festival that belongs to Zhuhai and the whole world," said Jiang Lin, mayor of Zhuhai.