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.

For Chris Aguirre, a Chilean juggler and fifth-generation circus artist, performing in Wuqiao is a dream come true. "My father, my grandmother, my uncle, my great-grandfather — even my wife — we're all acrobats," he said with a laugh after a rehearsal.

Aguirre was especially impressed by Lotus Dance — Bowl Balancing from the Sichuan Suining Acrobatic Troupe, performed by three teenage girls. "We met at a circus festival in Spain this February, where they won the highest award. Now we meet again in Wuqiao. That's what I love about Wuqiao, all top-level artists," he said with a smile.