In fact, lions were first introduced from the Western Regions. Lions are the mounts of Manjushri Bodhisattva. With the introduction of Buddhism to China, lion dance activities were also introduced to China. The lion was a tribute brought back together with the peacock and others after Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty sent Zhang Qian as an envoy to the Western Regions.

The skill of lion dance is derived from the "masquerade" of Xiliang. Some people believe that lion dance originated from the army in the fifth century and was later introduced to the people. Both statements have their own basis, and today it is difficult to judge whether they are right or wrong. However, in the Tang Dynasty, lion dancing had become a popular activity in the palace, the military, and the people.

According to legend, during the reign of Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty, the Dayue clan in the Western Regions paid tribute to the Han Dynasty with a golden-haired lion. If anyone can tame this lion, he will continue to pay tribute to the Han Dynasty, otherwise diplomatic relations will be severed. After the Yuezhi envoy left, Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty selected three people to tame the lion, but none of them succeeded. Later, the golden lion had a manic attack and was beaten to death by the palace servants. To avoid being punished by Emperor Zhang, the palace plucked off the lion's skin, and the two palace brothers dressed up as golden retriever lions. The Yueshi envoys and even Emperor Zhang believed it to be true. Later, the incident spread to the Han Palace, and the common people believed that the lion dance was a symbol of glory and good luck for the country. So he imitated a lion and performed the lion dance. Lion dance has become popular ever since.