The 2026 "Sanya Cup" International Dragon and Lion Classic, which has attracted worldwide attention, will be held grandly in Dadonghai Tourist Area of Sanya from January 16th to 20th, 2026. With the theme of "Dragon Lion Dance Free Trade Port, Culture Blooms Even the World", this competition aims to build a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries with the help of dragons and lions, promote the excellent Chinese traditional culture to the world, and help the cultural construction and sports industry development of Hainan Free Trade Port.

As a high-standard international dragon and lion competition, this event is hosted by Sanya Municipal People's Government, undertaken by Sanya Tourism and Culture Radio, Film and Television Sports Bureau, Sanya Tourism Development Bureau and Sanya Tourism Culture Development Group Co., Ltd., implemented by Sanya Tianya International Cultural Industry Development Co., Ltd., and guided and supported by International Dragon and Lion Association, Asian Dragon and Lion Sports Federation, Social Sports Guidance Center of State Sports General Administration and loong Lion Sports Association. The hosting of the Games is not only a vivid practice for Sanya to implement the Party's 20 strategies of "Cultural Power and Sports Power", but also an important window to deepen the construction of "three zones and one center" of Hainan Free Trade Port and show Sanya's cultural tolerance and urban vitality.

Gather the global elites to show their outstanding style together.

This competition is expected to attract 24 dragon and lion teams and about 300 athletes from all over the world. There are three major events in the competition: South Lion (optional high pile), North Lion (optional routine) and Dragon Dance (optional routine), which are strictly implemented in accordance with the examination and approval rules of the International Dragon and Lion Association to ensure the professionalism, fairness and appreciation of the competition.

One gold medal, two silver medals and five bronze medals will be selected for each project according to their achievements, and trophies, medals, certificates and corresponding bonuses will be awarded, of which the gold prize is as high as 30,000 yuan, aiming at encouraging players from all countries to show the highest level of skills and cultural expression.

The schedule activities are rich and run through the cultural experience.

During the Games, a series of colorful activities will be held to form a grand dragon and lion cultural event with "competition, exhibition, performance and meeting". January 16th is the reporting day for sports teams and referees; On the afternoon of the 17th, the Dragon and Lion Sports Tour was launched to ignite the enthusiasm of citizens and tourists in advance. On the morning of 18th, the opening ceremony will be held in Dadonghai Tourist Area of Sanya, followed by two days of fierce competition. The closing ceremony and award ceremony was held on the morning of 19th. The whole schedule is compact and orderly, with both high-level competitive competition and tour interaction close to the masses, which fully embodies the concept of "sports for the people and culture benefiting the people".

"We hope that this competition will not only show the strength and beauty of the dragon and lion sports, but also convey the cultural connotation of unity, forge ahead and auspiciousness." The person in charge of the event organizer said, "Sanya is an ideal place to hold international cultural and sports events because of its unique natural scenery and open and inclusive urban temperament. We look forward to connecting the world with the dragon and lion as a link, so that more people can feel the enthusiasm and charm of Sanya while enjoying the wonderful competition. "

Promote "sports+tourism" and empower urban development.

As an important practice of the integrated development of "sports+tourism" in Sanya, this competition will fully combine Sanya's unique tropical coastal tourism resources and profound cultural heritage, so that contestants and tourists from all over the world can enjoy the blue sea, blue sky and urban customs of Sanya while feeling the competitive charm of dragons and lions. During the Games, a series of dragon and lion theme supporting activities will be carried out simultaneously, which will further stimulate urban consumption and promote economic growth of tourism, catering, accommodation and other related industries.

An international dragon and lion feast with competitive, cultural and ornamental features will be held in Dadonghai Tourist Area of Sanya. Dragon and lion lovers, tourists and citizens from all over the world are invited to gather on the coast of Coconut Forest to enjoy the shocking scene of Dragon and Lion Dance, feel the unique charm of the collision between Chinese traditional culture and the vitality of Free Trade Port, and cheer for the favorite team!

Source: Sanya Travel Development Group