The 15th National Games' opening ceremony on the evening of Nov 9 featured a thrilling lion dance performance, captivating the audience with its dynamic movements.

These performers led double lives: competing in the 2025 China Lion Carnival (Guangzhou Station) by day and rehearsing late into the night for the Games. They included university students, office workers, and community staff.

The team's head coach, 38-year-old Lu Haosheng, founded the Tianhe District Dragon-Lion Dance Sports Association. He started lion dancing at age 9 and performed at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. Nineteen years later, he returned to the Games as head coach.

Lu was responsible for recruiting, training, and coordinating rehearsals. His team ranged from 8 to 50 in age. As members were spread across Guangzhou, Lu traveled daily between Tianhe, Huadu, and Panyu districts to coach them.

The lion dance performers practice late at night. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

The lead lion, 19-year-old Li Qixian, is a world champion. He started taking part in rehearsals immediately after returning from an international competition.

Lion dancing is no longer male-dominated. Liu Qiqi, 20, captain of the Hexingtang Female Lion Dance Team, noted that female dancers often need months to master moves that male dancers learn in days. However, her determination led her to persist.

The water stage posed another challenge. Each rehearsal soaked the lion costumes, which had to be dried immediately. Several original lion heads were ruined by the water. However, the effort eventually paid off, as the final performance was excellent.