The beat of gongs and drums marked the opening of a lion dance contest in Zhanjiang's Chikan district on June 13, attracting many visitors.

The contest aims to promote the spirit of lion dance and inherit and maintain traditional Chinese culture. The winners will be announced at a final award ceremony, which will be held on July 18.

Zhanjiang lion dance is the State-level intangible cultural heritage and has become a well-known folk custom brand in China.

Zhanjiang local lion dance teams were invited to perform in many foreign countries, including Russia, Australia, France and South Korea and well-received by local people.

Lion dance performances stun visitors in Zhanjiang on June 13. [Photo/yinsha.com]

Edited by Mevlut Katik