Foshan, a city renowned for its deep ties to martial arts and ancient traditions, recently welcomed an international group of travelers seeking to experience its vibrant culture firsthand. As part of this exciting cultural exchange, I had the unique opportunity to explore Foshan's Ancestral Temple (Zu Miao), a temple complex with nearly 1000 years of history, alongside friends from various parts of the world, including Spain, France, Peru, Colombia, and beyond.

A glimpse into Foshan's martial arts legacy

Our journey began with an immersion in Foshan's martial arts culture. As a city that lives and breathes martial arts, Foshan is also home to one of the most iconic cultural performances: the Awakening Lion dance.

The lion dance, with its intricate movements and powerful symbolism, combines elements of acrobatics, martial arts, and rhythmic drumming. For many, this was the first time witnessing the performance up close. Raquel, a Spanish social media influencer, shared her excitement, saying, "I had seen lion dances on TV before, but experiencing it live was extraordinary. The strength and skill of the dancers were impressive."

Adding an interesting cultural layer, our friend Camille, a French travel merchant, explained the tradition behind the lion dance. "The plates placed on the poles during the performance help protect the area in case it rains. This way, the dancers won't slip. It's a fascinating detail I had never known."

A spiritual journey at the Ancestral Temple

The Ancestral Temple (Zu Miao) is one of Foshan's most revered landmarks. Dedicated to Beidi, a Northern God believed to control the waters of Guangdong, the temple holds great spiritual significance for the local community. The serene atmosphere of the temple left a profound impact on my friends, especially Camille, who couldn't hide her emotions.

"My heart started racing," she recalled. "I felt so moved by the history and energy of this place. We don't have anything like it in France. It's difficult to put into words."

The temple's deep-rooted significance sparked an insightful conversation about the influence of Chinese culture on the West. Camille reflected on how Chinese porcelain had captivated French culture centuries ago. "In France, we had a time when everyone wanted to own Chinese porcelain—it was a symbol of wealth and sophistication," she explained. "It was fashionable, a sign that you had traveled the world."

As our time in Foshan came to an end, I found myself reflecting on the incredible power of cultural exchange. It's not just about experiencing new places; it's about celebrating our shared humanity. The lion dance, the Ancestral Temple, and the meaningful conversations we had throughout the journey reminded me that learning from each other is what makes travel so enriching. Until next time, let's keep exploring, learning, and celebrating the diverse cultures that make our world so unique.

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来源：GDToday

编辑：佛山新闻网 简嘉仪

审校：蒋淑君、梁焯贤

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