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Civilization Object No. 017
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Lion Dance

舞狮

An acrobatic dance performance where two dancers become a lion, bringing good luck and warding off evil during celebrations.

dna Heritage DNA
history Origin

Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE)

category Domain

traditional dance

verified Level

National Heritage

pin_drop Region

South China

pulse Status

active

The Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese performance where two dancers operate a lion costume — one controlling the head, the other the body. Mimicking a lion's movements with acrobatic stunts, the dance is believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Two main styles exist: Northern Lion Dance (playful, pekingese-like) and Southern Lion Dance (powerful, kung-fu inspired).

auto_stories

Stories & Legends

The Dancing Lion: From Exorcism to Celebration

historical

When two people become one beast, evil spirits flee and prosperity arrives.

hub Knowledge Graph

Relationship Constellation

This heritage item connects to 6 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.

pin_drop Foshan location pin_drop Guangzhou location person Dragon Dance ich person Three Kingdoms Period dynasty auto_stories The Dancing Lion: From Exorcism to Celebration story person Lingnan region
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Dragon Dance

A spectacular dance where performers bring a giant dragon to life with coordinated movements — a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune.
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Yangge Dance

A lively northern Chinese folk dance with colorful costumes, fans, and waist drums — originally a rice-planting song turned celebration.