Invited by Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York, a Guangdong Awakening Lion troupe and a Yingge Dance troupe from southern China performed at the Summer for the City festival. The 32-member cast presented a meticulously choreographed fusion performance. Bringing together two of Guangdong's national-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) traditions, the production marked the first time these two flagship heritage forms had been showcased together on an international stage.

The Puning Yingge troupe captivated audiences with vigorous movements and rhythmic dual-mallet performances. Meanwhile, the Guangdong Awakening Lion troupe executed breathtaking stunts, including shoulder stands and back-stepping atop high poles, drawing repeated gasps from the crowd. The performance also featured an immersive interactive session, inviting audience members onto the stage to try the Yingge mallets and handle the lion head, experiencing the unique charm of Guangdong's intangible cultural heritage firsthand.

From theaters to city streets, Lingnan's intangible cultural heritage is becoming part of New Yorkers' cultural experience through engaging and immersive performances. One cast member said the production goes beyond simply displaying traditional heritage by bringing it to life through storytelling and innovative fusion choreography. The event served as a successful cultural showcase, allowing Lingnan culture to reach and resonate with audiences on the global stage.