On January 24, at the Wuhou ancestral temple in Guinan Village, Wuguishan District, members of the Guinan Lion Dance Team were doing training under the instructions of Li Zhiming, the assistant coach, and Gu Baolong, the coaching assistant. The training session attracted many villagers.

The 12-year-old Guinan Lion Dance Team now has 18 members, mainly born in the 1990s and 2000s. As the Spring Festival is around the corner, team members keep practicing for the Chinese New Year performances.

Born in 2004, Gu Baolong has been on the lion dance team for about five years. After completing the training, he is now capable of instructing younger members.

Gu Jinhua, 15, the youngest team member, is a grade-three junior high school student. "I love watching lion dance performances since childhood. It is so cool, and rich in Chinese features. My parents show strong support for my participation in lion dancing," Gu says.

"The Chinese New Year is approaching, so we need to step up efforts to practice. The lion dance performances will run for three consecutive days from the first day of the Lunar New Year," says Li Zhiming.