The Meishan lion dance troupe prepares for their performance in Morocco. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Excitement filled the Meishan Lion Dance Cultural Exhibition Hall in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, on July 1, as preparations ramped up for the 54th Marrakech National Folk Arts Festival in Morocco.

The Meishan lion dance troupe will perform four dynamic acts for the festival: The playful Golden Snake Dance, heritage-themed Intangible Cultural Heritage Lion Dance, elegant Waters of Jiangnan, and spirited National Unity Dance. In collaboration with the Ningbo Performing Arts Group, these performances merge dance, music, and martial artistry to present a captivating spectacle for Moroccan audiences.

Founded in 2005, the Meishan lion dance troupe is the only team in Zhejiang province adept at the challenging meihuazhuang (quincuncial piles) technique, which was listed as a Ningbo intangible cultural heritage item in 2010. The team represents the peak of Chinese lion dance artistry.

This journey also marks a personal milestone for team member Shi Jining, the youngest performer, who's spent 15 years honing his skills. "We want to showcase China's cultural brilliance while immersing ourselves in Morocco's diverse traditions," he shared.

As Ningbo and Marrakech mark nearly two decades of sister-city ties, the Meishan troupe carries a message of cultural exchange and shared artistry across continents. During the event, the troupe will perform alongside top folk artists from across Morocco and participate in festive parades through the historic city.