Chinese Unicorn Dance Workshop + Hakka Living Library with Kirin Rising

Join Kirin Rising 麒麟革命 on August 10 for a free all-ages workshop in Vancouver’s Chinatown to learn the traditional Hakka kirin (Chinese unicorn) dance and learn about the Hakka culture through storytelling and movement.

Have you ever seen the Hakka kirin dance 客家舞麒麟? The kirin 麒麟 or Chinese unicorn is one of the four sacred animals in Chinese mythology alongside the dragon phoenix and turtle. Led by Hakka youth from Kirin Rising 麒麟革命 of Vancouver's Chinatown this is a rare opportunity to witness and participate in a kirin dance workshop to learn more about the centuries old tradition a deeply significant cultural symbol for the Hakka people 客家 ("guest family").

Despite the enduring historical oppression and genocidal violence towards the Hakka people particularly from the Cantonese in Guangdong’s Sze Yup 四邑 region where many in Vancouver Chinatown trace their roots the kirin dance continues to embody Hakka resilience and pride.

This workshop will also feature a Hakka Living Library: Tracing Hakka routes through language and storytelling.

Through storytelling and cultural exchange the goal is for Hakka people to rediscover or revisit their journeys of being and becoming Hakka and for non-Hakka participants to learn about Hakka histories cultures and the infinite spectrum of Hakka diasporic experiences.

Come join us on Sun Aug 10 2025 at 2PM to 4PM at the Chinatown Memorial Plaza for a fun and interactive workshop where you can learn the traditional Chinese unicorn Hakka kirin dance with the only active youth-led Hakka kirin Chinese unicorn dance team Kirin Rising 麒麟革命. All ages welcomed!

Also check out other Performances in Vancouver, Festivals in Vancouver, Workshops in Vancouver.