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]
Dragon and lion dance troupes from around the world gathered in the coastal city of Sanya, Hainan province, this week for an international competition showcasing traditional Chinese performance arts.
Around 300 athletes from 24 teams convened in the tropical city for the 2026 Sanya Cup International Dragon and Lion Dance Elite Competition. Over two days at Dadonghai scenic area in Hainan province, they performed dragon dances as well as southern and northern lion dance routines.
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.
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]
During the competition, troupes performed choreographed routines emphasizing coordination, strength, and technical skill. The performances combined traditional movements with modern competitive elements, set against Sanya's coastal backdrop.
Italian Chinese athlete Zhu Chuyi, 25, said participation in dragon and lion dance involves more than mastering technique. "Martial arts is not just a sport; it has profound cultural depth," she said. "While learning the routines, understanding wude (martial virtue) is more important."
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
