Guangdong Lion Dance [Photo/gdsqyg.com]

The Guangdong Lion Dance, a national tradition popular in Foshan and Guangzhou, is a typical Southern Lion Dance.

It originated from the royal lion dance during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and was later introduced to the south by migrants from the north. The Guangdong Lion Dance developed into its modern form during the Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644). It mainly focuses on the performance of the civilian lion dance, attaching much attention to movements like scratching an itch, shaking the mane and licking the hair.

The Guangdong Lion Dance, a combination of martial arts, dance and music, is popular not only in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, but also among overseas Chinese in Southeast Asian countries, making it a cultural bridge for overseas Chinese keeping in touch with their national roots.

Lion dancers perform for an audience. [Photo/gdsqyg.com]

Dancers jump to reach a ball in the air. [Photo/gdsqyg.com]