In Shenzhen’s Bao’an District on February 21, 2025, a vibrant lion dance performance captivated spectators at the entrance of Zeng’s Ancestral Hall and Complex. The troupe’s energetic movements brought life to the historic site, showcasing a blend of tradition and culture.
Built from granite, Zeng’s Ancestral Hall is a cherished site where members of the Zeng clan pay homage to their ancestors and ancient scholars. The hall represents local Hakka culture and stands as an architectural relic that highlights the origins of Shenzhen.
The Guangdong Lion Dance, a form of the Southern Lion Dance in China, traces its roots back to the royal courts of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Its modern incarnation, developed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), combines dance with martial arts. The choreography features the “lion” scratching an itch, shaking its mane, and licking its fur, bringing the mythical creature to life.
This traditional dance remains popular in China’s Guangdong and Guangxi provinces and has spread to Southeast Asian countries, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
