More than 20 expats experienced traditional southern lion dance in Guangzhou's Tianhe district on April 19.

There are two main types of lion dance in China, the northern lion dance and southern lion dance, with the southern lion dance originating in Guangdong province. A lion dance is often performed at traditional Chinese festivals or important occasions to express wishes for avoiding disasters and seeking good fortune.

A coach explains the history and characteristics of the southern lion dance to expats at the Ancestral Temple of the Li Family in Tianhe. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Oxana from Russia said that what impressed her most was the musical power and artistic design of the lion dance.

"Watching lion dance performances on TV in the past made me wonder how difficult it is. Today, when I tried to lift the lion's head, I felt the weight of the lion's head, and the movement of the lion dance is really not easy," she said.

"We are grateful to the community for holding such an event and letting us feel the charm of the lion dance."

Expats hold up lion heads and follow the coach's gestures and footsteps to perform a lion dance. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]