Lion Dance (Songgang Seven-Star Lion Dance)

The Songgang seven-star lion dance is found around Songgang in Shenzhen's Bao'an district, a traditional lion dance handed down for generations among the area's Cantonese and Hakka communities, named for the distinctive seven-star drum rhythm that accompanies it.

The dancers stress stance and choreography; the lion's moves such as plucking the greens, emerging from the cave and crossing the bridge rely on real martial-arts skill, and the forceful drumming makes the performance bold and commanding.

It is one of Shenzhen's eight national intangible-heritage items and embodies the Pearl River Delta tradition of joining lion dance with southern-style martial arts.

It is mainly performed in the villages, clan halls and festivals of Songgang in Bao'an.