All you need to know about the Chinese Lion Dance

If you grew up in Malaysia, you would have probably seen a lion dance performance, whether in shopping malls or outside your neighbor’s home on the first day of the Chinese New Year celebration. Synonymous with the Chinese New Year festival, the lion dance is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

This traditional performance is extremely popular in Malaysia and we have one of the world’s top lion dance troupes, beating even teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau, Taiwan and China! And our lion dance troupes just keep raising the bar when it comes to performance standards, to attract younger generation while keeping the tradition alive. Recently, we read about a lion dance performed underwater, among colorful fishes at the Aquaria KLCC, much to the amazement of visitors!

But, do you know what the lion dance means? Here, we have created an infographic to tell you what’s the story behind the colorful costumes and why the lion doesn’t actually look like a lion!

Where to watch a lion dance performance this Chinese New Year:

Central Market, Kuala Lumpur

6 February, 2019

1.00pm

6th KBJ International Lion Dance Championship

Kompleks Bukit Jambul, Pulau Pinang

5 & 6 February, 2019

10.30am

4th Plaza Merdeka Lion Dance Competition

Plaza Merdeka, Kuching

5 & 6 February, 2019

10.00am

Now that you know the history and meaning behind the dance and costumes, we’re sure you’re gonna enjoy this traditional performance even more. With that, we’d like to wish you a prosperous Happy Chinese New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Explore our “Book while it’s Huat” deals for a wholesome Chinese New Year holiday!