The 11 judges of the 3rd China International Circus Festival will evaluate performances this week to decide which will receive two Golden Tiger Awards of $30,000 each, three Silver Tiger Awards of $20,000 each, and four Bronze Tiger Awards of $10,000 each.

The event’s art director, Li Chi, presented each member of the panel a certificate of appointment at Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel on Nov 23. 

Circus judges interviewed [Photo by Li Jianshu / Zhuhai Daily]

"It's very top. It's very top level. We also have to judge according to different disciplines. We can't do this easily," Urs Pilzer, president of the World Federation of Circus, was quoted by CCTV as saying.

Representing the judges, Pilzer said the event has become a top international circus festival despite its short history, adding that it allows the rest of the world to gain a better understanding of China. He envisions bright prospects now that the circus is to take place annually rather than every two years.

In other business, the federation named Chimelong Group chairman Su Zhigang as Federation Ambassador of Circus 2016 in Monaco on Jan 17 in recognition of his commitment to global circus arts and culture. The appointment also spreads news of Chimelong International Circus around the world, Pilzer pointed out.

Su Zhigang named Federation Ambassador of Circus 2016 [Photo courtesy circusfederation.org]

The Grand Circus Gala started from Nov 18 and will last until Saturday.