Foshan's lion head heir captivates modern China with ancient tradition

Meet Li Wanzhen — a fifth-generation guardian of Foshan's iconic lion heads and a national inheritor of China's intangible cultural heritage.

From learning the craft as a teen to crafting a stunning 2-meter prop for Tsui Hark's Lion King film, Li's journey mirrors the resilience and artistry of Chinese tradition. She has repeatedly brought Foshan lion heads to the big screen and guided tourists in experiencing this cultural heritage — reinventing ancient traditions for modern audiences.