A circus shut down amid outrage over children riding a tiger in a show in southern China.

Shocking video filmed in Tiandong County in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on December 6, shows a tiger lying on a metal bed, and a man lifting a boy onto the tiger’s back, amidst the flashes of cameras capturing this bizarre moment.

The tiger, restrained by belts around its hind legs, still managed to move its front limbs and tail, hinting at its untamed nature. Meanwhile, an eager line of children awaited their turn for this unique experience.

It was a deliberate attraction offered by the circus, charging 20 yuan (£2.22) per photo.

By December 9th, the Tiandong County Department of Culture, Sports, Broadcasting, Television, and Tourism had responded with swift action.

After an investigation, it was revealed that the circus had commenced its performances at the Hengli Plaza Market East Gate in Tiandong County on the evening of December 6th without proper authorization.

Furthermore, they had charged for the controversial opportunity to ride and take photos on the tiger’s back. The authorities, adhering to legal and regulatory standards, issued a rectification notice to the circus, ordering an immediate halt to the performances and initiating a formal case.

The implicated circus has since ceased its performances.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

12月6日，广西田东县，马戏团演出现场，一只老虎趴在铁床上，一男子将一个小男孩抱起放到老虎背上，前方有人拿相机拍照。老虎后肢用皮带固定，但拍照时它的前肢和尾巴还在摆动，后面还有不少孩子排队等待。据悉，这是马戏团推出的骑老虎背上合影项目，每张照片要收费20元。

12月9日，百色市田东县文化体育广电和旅游局回应称，经调查，涉事马戏团在未经批准的情况下，擅自于12月6日晚开始在田东县恒力广场市场东门演出，并收费允许儿童骑老虎背上合影。事后已经依法依规对马戏团下达了《责令整改通知书》，责令马戏团立即停止演出，并进行立案处理。涉事马戏团目前已停止演出。