Leading from the Front: Zhao Weibin's 40 Years of Lion Dance Heritage

Why does lion dance deserve to be carried into the next generation? For Guangzhou lion dance master Zhao Weibin, the answer lies in more than forty years of dedication to the craft.

A Spirit of Determination

"The spirit of lion dance is about being a pioneer and never giving up," he says. "That belief has driven me to keep learning, innovating and moving forward for more than four decades."

For Zhao, lion dance is more than a profession. It has become an inseparable part of his life, shaped by years of practice, performance and continuous exploration.

Four Decades of Dedication

Throughout his career, Zhao has witnessed the evolution of lion dance and inspired generations of younger practitioners along the way. Yet his commitment has never been about preserving tradition in a fixed form.

Instead, he believes in safeguarding the spirit behind the art while finding new ways for it to remain relevant. At times, his ideas were seen as unconventional, but he has always believed that tradition and innovation are not opposing forces. Together, they allow culture to grow and thrive.

Preserving the Rules, Preserving the Spirit

"The most important thing is that someone continues to uphold the principles and spirit of lion dance," Zhao says.

He hopes audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication of the artisans and practitioners who have devoted themselves to keeping the tradition alive. Beyond its visual spectacle, lion dance embodies values of perseverance, discipline and cultural pride.

When Zhao first entered the field more than forty years ago, he could hardly have imagined becoming one of the most respected figures in lion dance today. The values he chose to uphold throughout his journey have earned him the respect of younger generations and established him as a leading voice within the community.

Showcased at MGM, his story serves as a reminder that cultural heritage is shaped by those willing to lead, innovate and inspire. For younger visitors, it offers a glimpse of how dedication and passion can help carry a tradition into the future.

Through collaborations with inheritors, artists and the wider community, MGM continues to explore new possibilities for lion culture and its next chapter.

Exhibition Information

9 artworks, 9 different takes

“Grand Vision, Boundless Success” is now on view at Lion Dance Festival 2026.

A Spirit of Determination

Four Decades of Dedication

Preserving the Rules, Preserving the Spirit

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