On May 27, the Forum on Building Cultural Strength and Promoting Digital Intelligence of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) was held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.
The forum brought together many renowned experts and scholars in the cultural field, outstanding entrepreneurial representatives, and representatives of the new generation of youth. They gathered to discuss the integration and symbiosis of history, culture, art, and scientific and technological innovation in the GBA.
During the forum, the performance of Songgang Seven-Star Lion Dance captivated the attention of numerous guests, which also demonstrated the inherent and ever-strengthening cultural advantages of the GBA.
The Songgang Seven-Star Lion Dance is a traditional art form native to the Songgang Subdistrict and surrounding areas of Bao'an District, Shenzhen. Nestled in the Pearl River Delta, Songgang has been home to this vibrant art for over a century, dating back to the late Qing Dynasty.
Its origins are closely tied to local commemorations of Wen Tianxiang, a patriotic general from the Southern Song Dynasty, whose unwavering loyalty and martial spirit are revered by the community.
Most of Songgang's original inhabitants trace their lineage to the Wen family. Each year, Seven-Star Lion Dance performances are traditionally held in front of the Wen Ancestral Hall, symbolizing deep respect for Wen Tianxiang's national integrity and warrior ethos.
This ritual not only preserves cultural heritage but also reinforces collective identity, passing down values of courage, loyalty, and resilience through generations. Through initiatives to introduce intangible cultural heritage in schools, local authorities aim to sustainably pass down this traditional art form.
So what exactly sets the Songgang Seven-Star Lion Dance apart from other lion dances? What are its unique characteristics? Let's delve into this performance to uncover the profound cultural heritage of the GBA and explore how traditional culture can be revitalized in the contemporary world.
Reporter | Chen Jinxia
Video & Poster | Deng Yingheng
Editor | Ouyang Yan, Hu Nan, James, Shen He
