Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum in Foshan

Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum (黄飞鸿狮艺武术馆) is a prestigious institution located in Foshan, Guangdong Province, China. The museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy and teachings of Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿), one of the most revered martial arts masters in Chinese history. It serves not only as a museum but also as a cultural center to promote martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, and the famous lion dance, which is an integral part of the region’s heritage.

Chinese Martial Arts and Legacy

Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿), born in Xiqiao Mountain (西樵山) of Foshan, Guangdong, was a martial arts master, physician, and folk hero known for his contributions to both the martial arts world and traditional Chinese medicine. He was the son of Wong Kei Ying (黄麒英), another famous martial artist, and was trained in the art of Hung Ga (洪家拳), a traditional Southern Chinese martial art. Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿) is also renowned for popularizing lion dance (醒狮), which is often performed at festivals and events to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

The museum, which opened in 1996, was built in his birthplace to honor his memory and preserve his martial arts philosophy. It is located in Lu Zhou Village (禄舟村), a picturesque area at the foot of Xiqiao Mountain (西樵山), which is considered a cradle of martial arts and Chinese culture.

Geographic Location

The Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum is strategically located 3 kilometers from the Xiqiao Mountain Scenic Area (西樵山风景区). The region is known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, and it is rich in historical significance. The museum’s surroundings are equally remarkable, with Wong Junbi Memorial Hall (黄君壁纪念馆) nearby, which commemorates the life and work of Wong Junbi, a renowned Chinese painter. Other attractions within proximity include the Baiyun Cave Scenic Area (白云洞风景区), Wong Tai Sin Sacred Scenic Garden (黄大仙圣景园), and Xiqiao Textile City (西樵轻纺城), making the museum a perfect place to explore traditional culture, martial arts, and scenic beauty.

Museum Location:

  • Chinese Name: 黄飞鸿狮艺武术馆
  • English Name: Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum
  • Address: Lu Zhou Village (禄舟村), at the foot of Xiqiao Mountain (西樵山), Foshan, Guangdong Province, China
  • Area: 5.23 acres

Museum Layout and Sections

The museum is designed with traditional Chinese architectural elements that reflect the grandeur and elegance of the late Qing Dynasty. The layout is carefully crafted to represent various aspects of Wong Fei Hung‘s life and legacy.

  • Main Hall: The entrance hall features a grand design with flying eaves and upturned corners, typical of traditional Chinese architecture. A large bronze statue of Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿) stands at the center of the entrance.
  • Left Side:
    • “Baozhi Lin” Hall (宝芝林): Dedicated to the herbal remedies and traditional Chinese medicine practices that Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿) used in his daily life.
    • “Wong Fei Hung Historical Exhibition Room” (黄飞鸿史迹陈列室): A room dedicated to showcasing the personal history, achievements, and legacy of Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿). It features photos, documents, and memorabilia from his life.
  • Right Side:
    • “Kwan Tak Hing Memorial Hall” (关德兴纪念堂): This hall commemorates Kwan Tak Hing (关德兴), a famous actor who portrayed Wong Fei Hung in several films and television series.
    • “Baicao Tang” (百草堂): This is an herbal medicine hall that highlights the medicinal practices of Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿). It contains displays of various herbs and treatments used during his time.
  • Center:
    • “Wong Fei Hung Master’s Teacher Platform” (黄飞鸿拜师台): A significant area that depicts the traditional teacher-student relationship in martial arts, showing Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿)’s journey of learning and teaching martial arts.
    • Performance Area: The center square is often used for traditional martial arts performances, including lion dances, kung fu, and dragon dances, showcasing the cultural and historical richness of Foshan (佛山).

The museum’s architecture and interior layout combine historical, cultural, and martial arts elements, making it a well-rounded and immersive experience for visitors.

Global Influence and Achievements

Over the years, the Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Troupe (黄飞鸿醒狮团) has achieved tremendous success, bringing global attention to the museum and its activities. The troupe has been recognized for its excellence in lion dance and martial arts performances, winning numerous prestigious awards.

  • 1998: Won six gold medals at the Hong Kong World Kung Fu Competition (香港世界功夫群英大赛).
  • 1999: Won the “Lion King” title at the Hong Kong World Lion Dance Competition (香港世界醒狮大赛) and received the “Yellow Fei Hong Cup” (黄飞鸿杯) at the Southern Guangdong Lion King Competition (南粤狮王争霸赛).
  • 2000: Became champions of the National Rural Sports Dragon and Lion Dance Competition (全国农运会龙狮大赛).

The museum’s significance extends beyond its role as a repository of Wong Fei Hung‘s legacy; it is also a major cultural hub that has helped boost tourism in the region. Various projects have been established to further honor Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿), including:

  • Wong Fei Hung Film and TV City (黄飞鸿影视城)
  • Wong Fei Hung Martial Arts School (黄飞鸿武术学校)
  • Wong Fei Hung Martial Arts Village (黄飞鸿武术村)

Moreover, the films and TV series based on Wong Fei Hung‘s life have garnered international acclaim. The character has been portrayed in over 100 films and television shows, with Jet Li (李连杰), Vincent Zhao (赵文卓), and other martial arts stars portraying him on screen. The figure of Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿) continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a beloved cultural icon.

The Wong Fei Hung Lion Dance Martial Arts Museum in Foshan (佛山) offers a unique blend of history, culture, and martial arts that reflects the legacy of Wong Fei Hung (黄飞鸿). It is a must-visit destination for those interested in martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, and lion dance, offering a deep insight into the martial arts history and heritage of Guangdong Province. Visitors to the museum can experience not only a tribute to a legendary figure but also enjoy various cultural activities and performances that are rooted in centuries of tradition.