The Asian Century: Lion Dance Legends

Lion dance, a traditional art form originating from China, has now become an official event in Indonesia's national games. Following the footsteps of Chinese communities across the oceans, it evolved into the high-pole style in Malaysia and later took root in small-town communities across Indonesia.

Our lens captures the daily life of a lion dance team from Medan— training, competing, and pressing on after setbacks. In Indonesia, lion dance has long surpassed its role as a festive symbol. No longer confined to Chinese communities, it has become part of local youths’ after-school lives, thriving with vibrant energy in neighborhoods and communities. From “cultural transmission” to “ cross-ocean resonance”, with the rise and fall of drumbeats, lion dance is writing a new chapter. It is not only a bridge connecting different civilizations, but also a catalyst for intercultural understanding and shared emotion with every leap—becoming a cultural language shared by humanity. Please watch episode 10 of the micro-documentary series The Asian Century: “Lion Dance Legends”.

The Asian Century is a social and cultural documentary series centered on the theme of building an Asian community with a shared future. Through authentic, multidimensional, and comprehensive storytelling, it showcases the shared historical roots, cultural bonds, and developmental aspirations among Asian nations.