5th Sungei Wang Plaza National Traditional Lion Dance Competition 2026 (第五届金河广场全国传统舞狮比赛)

On 30 August 2026, TianDi Dragon & Lion Dance Team (雪隆富都天地龙狮团) competed at the 5th Sungei Wang Plaza National Traditional Lion Dance Competition (2026年第五届金河广场全国传统舞狮比赛) at Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. The open competition brought together 25 traditional lion dance teams from across Malaysia.

Quick facts

• Event: 5th Sungei Wang Plaza National Traditional Lion Dance Competition (第五届金河广场全国传统舞狮比赛)
• Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026, from 10am
• Venue: Main entrance, Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
• Teams: 25 teams in the open competition
• Organisers: Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Dragon and Lion Dance Association (马来西亚雪隆龙狮联合总会) and the Sungei Wang Plaza Joint Management Body (金河广场共同管理委员会)
• Related event: 2nd National Inter-School Traditional Lion Dance Competition on 29 August 2026, with 12 secondary school teams
• Occasion: Sungei Wang Plaza's 50th anniversary, in support of Visit Malaysia 2026

What is the Sungei Wang Plaza lion dance competition?

The Sungei Wang Plaza National Traditional Lion Dance Competition is an annual traditional southern lion competition held in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Bukit Bintang shopping district. 2026 marked its fifth edition, held at the mall's main entrance as part of Sungei Wang Plaza's 50th anniversary celebrations.

This year the organisers ran it as a two-day event. Saturday, 29 August, featured the 2nd National Inter-School competition for secondary school teams. Sunday, 30 August, was the open competition for teams from across the country. The association's president, 梁国华, described the format this way: "2天的赛事，一天是未来的希望，一天是当下的精英，形成'传承与巅峰'的双重格局." One day for the hope of the future and one day for today's best, forming a pairing of heritage and peak performance.

What is judged in a traditional lion dance competition?

Traditional lion dance competitions judge the classic ground performance. Judges look at:

• Stances and footwork (马步)
• Lion expression, including eyes, ears, and mouth
• Head and tail coordination
• Drum, cymbal, and gong performance
• Story and structure of the routine

You can read more about how these routines work in our post on the 2nd Traditional Southern Lion King Championship.

How did TianDi prepare?

In the weeks before the event, the team trained on stances, expression, and full routine run-throughs with live drums at our base in Cheras. On 28 August we shared a simple message on Instagram: "It's tomorrow." The weekend closed a summer that started with the Lotus Garden Cup and the Southern Lion King Championship in June.

We announced our entry on 7 August with a simple promise: 2026年第五届金河广场全国传统舞狮比赛，我们也来啦！30号见！ (We are coming to the 5th Sungei Wang competition. See you on the 30th!)

The event also fell on the eve of Merdeka. Performing a traditional art in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by teams and families from every corner of the country, felt like a fitting way to celebrate the Malaysian spirit.

How did the day go?

Our lion took the stage in black, gold, and green, working across a set of raised platforms and wooden props in front of the judges' table and a packed crowd at the main entrance.

After the routine, the team gathered under our banner with the Certificate of Appreciation from the organisers. That evening we posted:

又完成一场比赛🔥 每一次上场，都是一次经历，每一次比赛，都有新的收获。谢谢今天来到现场为我们加油的大家❤️ 也谢谢每一位一起并肩作战的伙伴们！我们，下一站再见👋🔥

In English: another competition complete. Every time we step on stage is an experience, and every competition brings something new to learn. Thank you to everyone who came to cheer us on, and to every teammate who fought side by side with us. See you at the next stop.

Why does the Sungei Wang competition matter?

• It keeps traditional southern lion dance in the spotlight, alongside high pole events.
• It gives young performers a national stage through the inter-school competition.
• It brings lion dance into a busy public space, so shoppers and tourists can experience it up close.
• It lets teams exchange skills and build friendships across states.

Frequently asked questions

When was the 5th Sungei Wang Plaza National Traditional Lion Dance Competition?

The open competition was held on Sunday, 30 August 2026, starting at 10am at the main entrance of Sungei Wang Plaza. The inter-school competition was held the day before, on 29 August.

How many teams took part?

25 teams competed in the open competition, and 12 secondary school teams competed in the inter-school event.

Who organised the competition?

The Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Dragon and Lion Dance Association (马来西亚雪隆龙狮联合总会) and the Sungei Wang Plaza Joint Management Body.

Can I book TianDi's competition performers?

Yes. Our competition team also performs at grand openings, weddings, corporate events, and festivals. Contact us for a free quote.

Follow the team

Clips from the competition are on our Instagram. Inspired to take the stage yourself? Join our training.