Sanya hosts international dragon, lion dance competition

Updated: Jan 22, 2026 By CHEN BOWEN in Haikou chinadaily.com.cn Print

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About 300 athletes representing 24 international teams competed at the 2026 Sanya Cup International Dragon and Lion Dance Elite Competition in Sanya, Hainan province, from Jan 18 to 19. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In opening remarks, Xiang Yihai, vice-mayor of Sanya, said the event reflected the city's efforts to combine culture, sport, and tourism as part of Hainan's Free Trade Port development. He described the dragon and lion dance as symbols of unity in Chinese culture and said the event aims to encourage cultural exchange.

Lu Yuedi, chairman of the International Dragon and Lion Dance Federation, said the art form is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. He said the federation has worked since the 1990s to develop the discipline into a modern competitive sport while preserving its cultural roots.

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