The 11th Baiyun District Traditional Southern Lion Championship commenced on Jan 10 at the Ancient Temple Square of Maofeng Mountain Scenic Area.

Traditional Southern Lion Championship. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

The tournament set a new participation record, featuring 59 teams, more than 120 vibrant lion costumes, and over 1,200 competitors. The event showcased a total of 82 routines across two categories — Traditional Single Lion and Group Lion — with divisions for youth and open-age groups.

Against a backdrop evoking a peach forest landscape, teams performed with vigor as they interpreted classic tales. The Guangzhou Yagang Hairma Plant Oil Company Lion Dance Team, three-time consecutive champions in the Group Lion category, presented their signature routine "Three Heroes Gather in the Blessed Land". The performance creatively incorporates complex stunts and weapon choreography to portray the legendary oath of brotherhood.

Other teams showcased their unique styles with routines like "Journey to the Flaming Mountain" for solo lion performances and "Oath of the Peach Garden" for group acts.

After intense competition, champions were crowned in each category. The Southern Lion dance, a representative form of Chinese lion dance, has a deep-rooted legacy in Baiyun district, where nearly every village maintains its own team, preserving a tradition that has endured for over a millennium.