Lion dancing has been an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities for centuries. Rooted in ancient folklore and martial arts, this vibrant and dynamic art form combines the grace of dance with the symbolic power of the lion. Emerging from the heart of Chinese culture, lion dancing is not just a captivating spectacle but a deeply symbolic expression that embodies luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.

As the lion dancers move in tandem to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, the mythical creature comes to life, captivating audiences with its lively movements and energetic spirit. It’s an essential part of celebrating Chinese New Year and here’s where you can see it in Beijing.

Hilton Beijing

Date: Jan 29
Time: 9:58 am
Location: The lions will start off their performance right outside the hotel lobby. You don’t need to RSVP for the event, but be sure to show up early.
Find it:
1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu
东三环北路东方路1号

The Regent Beijing

Date: Jan 29
Time: 8.58am
Location: The lion dancing will start from the entrance of the hotel before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP is needed, but be sure to show up early. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
2/F, The Regent Beijing, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区金宝街99号北京丽晶酒店2层

China World Summit Wing Hotel

Date: Jan 29
Time: 9.30am
Location: The lion dancing will start from the entrance of the hotel before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP is needed, but be sure to show up early. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie
建国门外大街1号

The Peninsula Beijing

Date: Jan 31
Time: 9.30am
Location: The lion dancing will take place in the hotel lobby.
Find it:

8 Jinyu Hutong

金鱼胡同8号

EAST Hotel Beijing

Date: Feb 8
Time: 2,30pm
Location: The lion dancing will start in the lobby before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP needed, but be sure to show up before 2.30pm. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

Images: EAST Hotel, British School of Beijing Sanlitun, The Regent Beijing, Pexels, Bing

One of the coolest things that takes place during Chinese New Year is the lion dances. This is typically the only time of the year when you get to see these performances, and kids absolutely love them.

Lion dancing has a long and storied history that stretches back centuries in China. It serves as a powerful cultural symbol laden with profound significance. The lion is regarded as having the ability to drive away evil spirits and usher in good fortune, thus coming alive during this festive season.

Stumbling upon a performance mid-way you might think it only consists of highly skilled acrobats, but each step leading up to the dance has a special meaning.

Bringing the Lion to Life (Painting the Eyes)

Before a lion dance performance begins, there is a ceremony that “brings the lion to life.” This often involves painting the eyes of the lion. With a brush dipped in red paint, people carefully mark the eyes of the lion. This act symbolizes awakening the spirit of the lion, endowing it with life and the power to perform its functions of warding off evil and bringing good fortune. It’s as if the lion is now ready to roam and bestow its blessings upon the places it visits.

The Lion’s Performance

Once the lion is “alive,” the dancers start their performance. The front dancer controls the lion’s head using various hand movements to make the lion blink, shake its head, and display different expressions. The rear dancer follows closely, coordinating to make the lion’s body sway, leap, and move gracefully. They might perform movements like high jumps to signify overcoming obstacles and achieving success. The lion also plays with the “lion ball,” chasing it, rolling it with its paws, which represents the pursuit of good luck and happiness in life. Circling around in a lively manner indicates prosperity and a smooth life journey.

Feeding the Lion 

One interesting and symbolic part of the lion dance is the “feeding the lion” ritual. Usually, a bunch of green vegetables, most commonly lettuce, is prepared. Lettuce is chosen because its Chinese name, shengcai, sounds similar to “generating wealth” in Chinese pronunciation. The lettuce is tied together with a red ribbon, or it sometimes has a red envelope attached to it. It is then hung at a certain height, often above the entrance of a business or a household. The lion approaches the lettuce and “eats” it by using its mouth (the part of the lion’s head manipulated by the front dancer) to grab and pull it down. This symbolizes the lion bringing wealth and good fortune to that place. Sometimes, the lion will then “spit” out the lettuce or toss it around, which is seen as spreading the good luck even further. After that, the red envelope attached to the lettuce is often given to the lion dance troupe as a token of appreciation and a wish for continued prosperity.

At the end of the performance, the lion dancers make the lion perform a series of respectful bows or gestures to thank the audience and the place where it has performed. This shows gratitude and also signifies that the lion is now taking its leave, having completed its task of spreading positive energy and good wishes.

Sounds cool, right? Mark your calendars because there will be a few places where you can see lion dancing completely free in Beijing.

British School of Beijing, Sanlitun’s Temple Fair 

Date: Jan 19
Time: Noon
Location: Playground
The lion dance will kick off BSB Sanlitun’s Temple Fair.
Find it:
Primary Building: 5 Xiliu Street, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

The Regent Beijing

Date: Jan 29
Time: 8.58am
Location: The lion dancing will start from the entrance of the hotel before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP is needed, but be sure to show up early. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
2/F, The Regent Beijing, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区金宝街99号北京丽晶酒店2层

EAST Hotel Beijing

Date: Feb 8
Time: 2,30pm
Location: The lion dancing will start in the lobby before traveling to the rest of the hotel.
No RSVP needed, but be sure to show up before 2.30pm. The lion waits for no one!
Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

More lion dancing schedules are being finalized in the coming days. Stay tuned for more places where you can find some Chinese New Year festivities.

Images: EAST Hotel, British School of Beijing Sanlitun, The Regent Beijing

There’s a whole lot to know if you’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year properly, and this year I plan on doing everything by the book and sticking as close to tradition as possible, partly to teach my little girl this side of her heritage and partly to finally satisfy the curiosity I’ve had for it all these decades. So, join me as I explain every Chinese New Year tradition that’s about to take over the city.

Search #JingkidsCNY to find more articles on this topic.

Lion dancing has been an integral part of traditional Chinese festivities for centuries. Rooted in ancient folklore and martial arts, this vibrant and dynamic art form combines the grace of dance with the symbolic power of the lion. Emerging from the heart of Chinese culture, lion dancing is not just a captivating spectacle but a deeply symbolic expression that embodies luck, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits.

As the lion dancers move in tandem to the rhythm of drums and cymbals, the mythical creature comes to life, captivating audiences with its lively movements and energetic spirit. It’s an essential part of celebrating Chinese New Year and here’s where you can see it in Beijing.

The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun on Feb 4 from 11am-1pm

To celebrate the upcoming year of the Dragon, BSB Sanlitun is hosting a Chinese New Year Temple Fair on Sunday, Feb 4, from 11am-1pm. This is a free-entry community event – everyone is welcome! Come along and bring your friends and family to enjoy dragon and lion dances, kung fu, and face-changing performances, as well as Chinese arts and crafts for children! Shop for some authentic gifts and enjoy traditional Chinese food!

Find it:
Primary Campus: 5 Xiliu Jie, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

Conrad Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 10.18am

In honor of the Year of the Dragon, Conrad is pulling out all the stops for an extravagant celebration. Brace yourself for the mesmerizing presence of lion dancers and the auspicious blessings from the Goddess of Fortune as they grace the hotel with their well wishes for the upcoming year. The festivities will kick off right in the heart of the hotel, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for all.

Find it:
29 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路29号

Empark Prime Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 8.19am

Celebrate the arrival of the new year with an exhilarating lion dance performance scheduled for Sunday, Feb 10, at 8:19am in the lobby. You are warmly invited to witness this auspicious performance and receive blessings from the lively lion as well as greetings from the God of Fortune.

Find it:
2 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District
东城区王府井大街2号

Hilton Beijing on Feb 10 at 9.58am

Hilton Beijing has created a host of fun and entertaining activities to ensure an auspicious year ahead. The highlight of this year’s celebrations is the Lion Dance which takes place outside the hotel lobby. This traditional Chinese New Year welcome will surely get the Year of the Dragon off to a spectacular start! You’ll be amazed at the incredible acrobatic moves and performances choreographed with utmost precision to crashing cymbals and drums. So come to the Lobby and celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival!

Find it:
1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号

Hotel Jen on Feb 10 at 9.28am

Join the festive spirit at Hotel Jen’s lobby! Experience the energy of traditional lion dancing without a cost. Don’t miss this captivating celebration as they welcome the new year in style. Best of all, this captivating celebration comes to you entirely for free. Gather with family and friends for an unforgettable experience in welcoming the New Year.

Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号

Sheraton Grand Dongcheng on Feb 10 at 10.58am 

On the first day of the Lunar New Year at 10:58am, Sheraton will be hosting their annual lion dancing. Swing by to soak in the festivities to celebrate the new year, meet the God of Fortune, and catch the lively lion dance in action!

Find it:
36 Beisanhuan Lu, Dongcheng District
东城区北三环路36号

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing on Feb 10 at 8.28am

Embrace the New Year early in the morning at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing as they unfold a mesmerizing symphony of colors and energy. Brace yourself for a feast of sight and sound with a spectacular lion dance that will set the stage for a year filled with joy, prosperity, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Find it:
48 Liangma Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区亮马桥路48号

The Peninsula Beijing on Feb 15 at 11am

The rhythmic drums are beating in unison, the dragon is soaring, and the lion is leaping. It’s an auspicious way to bid farewell to the old and welcome the Chinese Year of the Dragon. On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, The Peninsula Beijing continues its tradition of creating memorable occasions for guests by presenting a dragon and lion dance performance celebrating the spirit of Spring Festival. Guests and their families can enjoy the colourful festive show by a professional dance troupe inspired by traditional Chinese folk customs.

The opening drumbeat at the auspicious hour of 11am will herald the start of the spectacular dragon and lion dance performance at The Peninsula Beijing forecourt. This follows a traditional “dotting of the eyes” ceremony performed by the hotel’s general manager and management team to herald the lion’s birth.

Find it:
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号

Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing on Feb 19 at 9.38am

For those who like to greet the day with an early start, the lion dancers will kick off the festivities right in the hotel’s lobby. And here’s a special perk for the early birds: discover the hidden gem of Townsquare Cafe on the ground floor of Artyzen. Doors open at 6:30 am, this charming spot offers a delightful breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries, refreshing juices, and robust coffees – the perfect way to kickstart your day on a delicious note.

Find it:
Building 11, No.1 Xiangheyuan Street, Dongcheng District
北京东城区香河园街1号院11号楼

East Beijing Hotel on Feb 20 at 2.28pm

The duo of lions will commence their vibrant routine in the hotel lobby before gracefully making their way to Domain and Feast on the 2nd floor, spreading joy and festive energy throughout the venue.

Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

Images: Courtesy of organizers, Bing, Pexels

If you’ve experienced anything remotely close to a Chinese New Year celebration, chances are you’ve seen some form of lion dancing.

Traditionally, lion dancing is done on the first day of the lunar new year and it’s meant to bring good luck and fortune. On other special occasions, it’s used to show respect and well wishes for the guests of honor.

These dances begin with the guest of honor painting the eyes of the lions to bring them to life. Then the performers do an impressive routine that usually involves feeding the lion lettuce, which the lion promptly spits back out. Why lettuce and why the spitting? Well, the Chinese word for lettuce sounds similar to the word for “wealth,” so when the lion eats the wealth and spits it at the audience, it’s effectively an offering of prosperity.

With all these lion dances, the performers will move around the establishment so it’s best to show up a bit earlier. The lions wait for no one!

Here’s where you can see lion dancing this Chinese New Year.

Indigo Mall

There will be multiple lion dancing parades taking place in Indigo Mall this year. The lions will be traveling all over the mall, blessing visitors and stores with good fortune for the coming year. The parades starts at 2pm each time. Follow the noise and the crowd to find the lions.

Dates:
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 26

Find it:
18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路18

EAST Beijing

EAST Beijing has arranged for the lions to visit twice this year, blessing each of the hotel’s outlets with a traditional lettuce catching and dancing.

Dates:
Jan 22 at 2.15pm
Jan 23 at noon

Find it:
22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

JEN Beijing

In the center of the CBD, JEN Beijing’s lions will be blessing our favorite venues with warm wishes. Guests are welcome to attend and acquire some of the lions’ good luck for the new year. This lion dancing parade starts early and will be traveling to different floors of the hotel.

Date:
Jan 22 from 9.28am to11.28am

Find it:
1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
朝阳区建国门外大街1号

The Peninsula Beijing

If you’re in Dongcheng District, The Peninsula Beijing has a lion dancing planned a few days into the Chinese New Year holidays. The dancing will start right before brunch time, taking place outside the hotel’s main entrance.

Date:
Jan 26 at 10.28am

Find it:
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号

Universal Studios

Finally, since Universal Studios opened its doors in Beijing, every holiday they’ve raised the bar for festive performances. This year’s Chinese New Year lion dancing is no different. They’ve created a whole show around it that takes place three times a day. The Spring Blessing Show will feature nine movie characters, 12 dancers, and two festive lions to bless visitors with good wishes for the coming new year.

Dates:
Jan 12-Feb 14

Find it:
Northwest corner, Intersection of Huanqiu Dadao and Yirui Donglu, Tongzhou District
通州区环球大道与颐瑞东路交叉口西北角

Images: Courtesy of organizers, pexels, Mina Yan