Leaps on Water, Jumps in the Air–The International Lion Dance Festival Is Here!
Kaohsiung Lion Dance 2025
Since 2010, the Bureau of Cultural Affairs of the Kaohsiung City Government has been promoting innovative developments in lion dance to connect the activity with the global community. By incorporating athletic elements and introducing international high-pole competition systems and regulations, the Kaohsiung Lion Dance Competition has not only expanded performance formats and raised professional standards but also injected new vitality into traditional culture. Having successfully created a fresh trend that blends sports and the arts, the Kaohsiung Lion Dance Competition is now recognized as one of the world’s top three lion dance competitions, on par with Malaysia’s Genting World Lion Dance Championship and Macau’s MGM International Lion Dance Championship.
This year, the high pole water stage is back! On November 15, join us at the Kaohsiung International Swimming Pool to witness the lion kings from around the world in action. Ten lion dance troupes from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and more will showcase their strong lineups. In addition, Miao Hsuan Dance Group will present their brand-new production, Marine Battle Array and Land Boat Dance; Tiger General Deters Evil Spirits, while the Artistic Swimming Association of Taiwan will enchant the audience with the beauty of mermaids and artistic swimming. The thrilling International Lion King Championship takes place at Kaohsiung Arena on November 16. Kaohsiung’s local Zuoying Zhouzi Qingshui Temple will perform the Traditional Martial Arts Show by the Eighteen Guards, and the Wang Kung Liangguang Chinese Martial Arts, Dragon, Lion, and War Drum Troupe will dazzle the audience with their stunning competitive illuminated dragon and lion dance show. Packed with exciting performances, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
This year’s special guests include the 2024 Malaysia National Championship winner, Xuan Long Dragon and Lion Dance Rawang, and runner-up, CHSAA Dragon & Lion Dance Troupe, as well as the promising newcomer from Japan, Yokohama Overseas Chinese School O.B. All three are participating in the Kaohsiung Lion Dance Competition for the first time. Will the four-time lion king champion, Taiwan Keelung Chang-Xing, be able to defend their crown? Come and watch these lion kings leap onto the high poles with spectacular flair. One moment, they wink playfully and brim with mischievous charm; the next, they tumble with heroic precision—showcasing their mastery atop 5-meter poles that command the entire arena.
We sincerely invite everyone to Kaohsiung to feel the rising tension with the thunder of war drums and experience the thrilling excitement of the biennial Kaohsiung Lion Dance Competition as the lions leap into the air!
