The lion dance gifts presented by Guangzhou to Bari, Italy. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

Guangzhou has strengthened its diplomatic ties with multiple international sister cities by gifting traditional Guangdong lion dance costumes, drums, and gongs to commemorate milestone anniversaries of their friendships.

These cultural gifts were sent to cities including Los Angeles, Sydney, Bari, Genoa, Bristol, and Birmingham, among others. Several of these recipient cities have integrated these items into their local Spring Festival festivities, incorporating lion dance performances that have been met with enthusiasm from their communities.

In Los Angeles, for instance, the Guangzhou-Los Angeles Friendship City Association organized an event to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relationship. A local dance troupe donned authentic lion dance costumes from Guangzhou and performed a traditional "dotting of the eyes" ceremony, a ritual that symbolizes the awakening of the lion figures.

Chinese Consul General in Los Angeles, Huang Hongjiang, and Eugene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, jointly perform the dotting of the eyes ceremony for the lion dance. [Photo/WeChat account: GZWS411665430]

Seroka said that approximately 40 percent of the port's business is tied to trade with China, providing a solid foundation for cooperation. Over the years, both cities have deepened collaboration in trade, education, and culture.

In Bristol, a Spring Festival reception was held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Bristol-Guangzhou sister city relationship. The Bristol Museum established a special exhibition area displaying the lion dance items, alongside explanations of Chinese New Year traditions and the cultural significance of lion dance. Visitors were invited to experience the performances firsthand.

Similar events took place in Lyon last year, where the gifts were presented during Chinese Cultural Week, with Consul General Yu Jiang participating in the eye-dotting ceremony.

Guangdong lion dance, recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item, is widely beloved in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and among overseas Chinese communities. By sharing this cultural treasure, Guangzhou aims to promote goodwill, showcase Lingnan culture, and foster mutual understanding and connections between people and communities worldwide.