The Lion Dance is one of the most widely spread folk dance in China. Lion is the king of animals. In Chinese tradition, lion is regarded as a mascot, which can bring good luck. The dance has a long history with records of more than 2,000 years ago. Durin

Types by Style

The performance is divided intoWenshi(civil lion) andWushi (martial lion) according to the performing styles.Wenshi depicts the images of a lion, which is docile and funny. It scratches, licks or dozes off.

Wenshi (civil lion)

Wushiportrays the power of the lion. Besides the usual jumping, falling and tumbling, performers will also show their excellent techniques by climbing upon a high table or by stepping on five wooden stakes.

Wushi (martial lion)

Types by GeographyThe Northern Lion Dance and The Southern Lion DanceThe Northern Lion Dance mainly focuses on the performance of martial lion dance. Guided by the lion dancers, the lion writhes, falls forward, jumps and makes a bow, as well as some other highly difficult movements such as walking on wooden or bamboo stakes, jumping over a table, and stepping on a rolling ball, etc.

The Southern Lion Dance mainly focuses on the performance of civilized lion dance. The performance scratches an itch, shakes the hair, and licks the hair and so on.