The vibrant sounds of drums and cymbals echoed through New York Times Square on July 24 as two of Guangdong's best-known intangible cultural heritage traditions, southern lion dance and Yingge dance, joined forces for a high-energy flash performance that captivated crowds in the heart of Manhattan.
As the first drumbeats rang out, four southern lions burst into the square, weaving through the crowd with agile movements, while Yingge dancers matched their rhythm with powerful, synchronized choreography.
More than 30 performers took part in the showcase, blending lion, Yingge and dragon dances into a single performance that celebrated Guangdong's folk traditions.
Rather than presenting the traditions as separate acts, the performers wove them together into a story-driven production. Traditional lion dance routines, including the classic cai qing ("plucking the greens"), were paired with dramatic choreography and theatrical storytelling, making the performance easier for international audiences to follow and appreciate.
The response was immediate. Passersby stopped to watch, filming the performance on their phones as applause and cheers rippled through the square, momentarily competing with the sounds of the city's traffic.
"Our goal wasn't simply to bring intangible cultural heritage overseas," said Zhao Weibin, a representative inheritor of the lion dance tradition. "We wanted to present it in a way that feels alive today through storytelling and creative collaboration. So, audiences can connect with it regardless of their cultural background."
For Li Junhao, a representative inheritor of the Yingge dance, performing in Times Square marked a milestone for the centuries-old folk dance.
"Seeing Yingge performed in Times Square is something we'll always remember," Li said. "Bringing together the lion, Yingge and dragon dances created more than a performance. It became a way of sharing Chinese culture with the world. We hope people leave not only entertained, but with a lasting impression of Lingnan culture."
The Times Square flash performance followed the troupe's appearance at New York's Lincoln Center during Chinese Arts Week, continuing Guangdong's cultural outreach in the United States. Through performances that combine tradition with contemporary presentation, the artists hope to introduce southern China's living cultural heritages to more international audiences.
Reporter | Li Fangwang
Video & poster | Li Fangwang
Photo | Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province
