Su Zhigang (left) and Princess Stephanie of Monaco at the 40th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, Jan 17, 2016. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Elites from the circus world gathered at the Hermitage Hotel on Sunday for the 40th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival. Su Zhigang, vice-chairman of All-China Federation of Industry & Commerce (ACFIC) and, chairman of CHIMELONG Group, won the 2016 Circus Art Ambassador award.

The award is the highest individual award from the World Circus Federation and is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of the circus, according to the organization. This is the first time it was awarded to an entrepreneur in the tourism industry. This award recognizes Su's commitment to the development of global circus arts and culture, and it also proves that Chimelong International Circus has been accepted around the world.

Over the last 16 years Su has brought top quality circus acts to 13 billion people in China, circus experts said. Su also promoted performance standards of the Chinese circus. Through his efforts, the China International Circus Festival has been held twice successfully, and greatly improved cultural exchange of the circus world.

Urs Pilz, the World Circus Association's president, noted that Su's achievements are significant to the world. The World Circus Federation is pleased to have the same goals as Su and CHIMELONG International Circus. Urs Pilz visited China many times, which augmented to the development of CHIMELONG International Circus.

CHIMELONG Group is known around the world as a Chinese top tourism operator. Sixteen years ago when it started, the CHIMELONG International Circus was a simple performance in the park. Now it is becoming the biggest circus show and organizes the world's largest circus festival.