Lion dance has long captivated audiences across Asia from the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the historical alleys of Guangzhou. The ancient tradition has evolved over the centuries, transforming from New Year performances to competitive spectacles. Now, China and Malaysia are jointly nominating the lion dance to the UNESCO to be included in its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Here's the story from CGTN's Ryan Maelzer in Kuala Lumpur and Huang Fei in Guangzhou.
Exhilarating and daring, acrobatic lion dance has become a much-loved spectacle in Malaysia, especially at this time of year. Malaysia is considered the birthplace of this high-flying form of the art, and Sifu Siow Ho Phiew one of its fathers.
SIOW HO PHIEW Lion dance and Lion Head-Making Master "In the 1980s, the introduction of dancing on the high poles revolutionized performances. People often call me a pioneer of these innovations, but in reality, it's the collective effort of many individuals in the industry."
Groups like the Khuan Loke association are constantly pushing the boundaries of lion dancing. And it's not just Chinese taking part. There's a growing number of non-Chinese performers, like these ethnic Malays.
MUHAMAD SYAHMI HAFIZ Ethnic Malay Lion Dancer, Khuan Loke Association "So, I saw Faris, my lion head partner, and I asked him: 'Do you want to try jumping?' He said he was scared. I told him, 'Don't be scared!' but actually, I was scared too. My goal is to go overseas to perform or compete."
RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "Just as Malaysia's lion dance troupes and style have become famous far beyond the country's borders, its hand-crafted lion heads are also much sought after around the world."
And none are more sought after than those crafted by Sifu Siow and his team. Sifu Siow is optimistic about the future of lion dance, boosted by China and Malaysia's joint bid for UNESCO world heritage recognition.
SIOW HO PHIEW Lion dance and Lion Head-Making Master "Lion dance is much more than just a performance – it embodies cultural heritage and carries profound symbolism. It represents unity, peace and prosperity."
RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "Although lion heads and lion dance have taken on their own unique form and style here in Malaysia, the strong links to their origins in China are still very clear to see."
HUANG FEI Guangzhou "Every lion dance tells a slightly different story but the common theme is almost always about food. Every flap of the mouth, every flicker of the eye lid, conveys joy, frustration, and a whole range of emotions of the lion as it searches for food."
In this 600-year-old village in eastern Guangzhou, master Gong Guidong is teaching the traditional form of lion dance. Rooted in southern martial arts, it emphasizes storytelling.
GONG GUIDONG Deputy Director Guangzhou Lion and Dragon Dance Association "Your toes need to face inward. Your stance needs to exude power. Don't just glance a few times and jump on the chair. Add more complexity."
This humble basketball court has been the training ground for local lion dance champions, including 22-year-old Wu Jiajun, who won his first provincial competition at the age of 10.
WU JIAJUN Lion Dance Performer "In second grade, Master Gong introduced lion dance to my school. As a kid, I was fascinated by its majesty. Over time, lion dance taught me etiquette, teamwork and the joy of following my passion."
From long chairs to high poles, lion dance has become a competitive sport and a symbol of positivity. But retaining young performers remains a challenge.
GONG GUIDONG Deputy Director Guangzhou Lion and Dragon Dance Association "The biggest challenge is society's lack of understanding. Many parents ask, 'How much can you really earn from lion dancing?' But it's about more than money – it's 2,000 years of tradition. UNESCO world heritage recognition will help elevate it to a more official and global platform."
There are calls for more training spaces, better income opportunities, and more innovative shows to attract wider audiences. With China and Malaysia joining hands to preserve the art, these golden lions are ready to leap to new heights. Huang Fei, Rian Maelzer, reporting in Guangzhou and Kuala Lumpur.