The first Qingdao International Circus Festival begins at 7 pm on September 21. Animals had already arrived from long distances to perform in Qingdao in Shandong province, including eight tigers and lions, eight pet ponies and Dalmatians.

The tigers and lions will show off their circus techniques by stepping and moving on five wooden stakes called quincuncial piles in Chinese kungfu, a performer said.

The pet ponies at the circus are about as tall as a bicycle. “These mini-horses not only run fast but also can stand on two hind legs during their fast run, which is quite impressive,” a performer said.

Together with regular-size horses, they will perform dressage movements, which have been dubbed a horse’s ballet. The big and small horses already had completed their first rehearsal.

By Hao Nan