Lion Dance performance on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to launch BridgeClimb’s new Mandarin Clim

Today, in a premiere event, and in the lead up to Chinese New Year, a Lion Dance was performed on the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It was a spectacular sight of east meets west on top of one of Australia’s most recognisable icons. The Lion Dancers scaled to the summit of the Bridge, peaking 134 metres above sea level, where they performed the first ever Lion Dance on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. They were accompanied by a drummer and three cymbal players.  There was an array of colours, movement and music as the Lion Dancers put on an unforgettable show.

It was certainly a memorable occasion for the climbers who witnessed this colourful performance atop one of the city’s most iconic structures. “It was breathtaking,” said one climber. Another climber said, “The Lion Dancers put on a very special show, with the Harbour and city in the background. I think I’ll remember it forever.”

While everyone revelled in the excitement of being so intimately linked to a unique event on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, climbers were also rewarded with a spectacular 360 degree view of the city and one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

Richard Evans, Managing Director of BridgeClimb Sydney, said, “The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a powerful symbol of Australia, and similarly the Lion Dance is an iconic symbol of celebration in China. It was great to see the two come together in such a striking performance. We’re very excited to be part of the upcoming festivities for the Chinese New Year”.

The event celebrated the launch of BridgeClimb’s newest climb, the Mandarin Climb, which features local Mandarin speaking guides. China is experiencing an emergence of middle and upper classes, the knock-on effect of which is an increase in the free independent traveller segment to Australia. In response to this growing Chinese market, BridgeClimb is investing more heavily in China, as illustrated by this development of a customised climb for Mandarin speakers.

Richard Evans, Managing Director of BridgeClimb Sydney, said, “Australia is a key holiday destination for Chinese visitors, with 542,000 travelling to Australia in 2011. BridgeClimb is committed to enhancing every climber’s experience, and what better way to do this than by welcoming them in their own language.”

The climb will offer Chinese visitors, aged 10 years and over, a chance to fully participate in one of Australia’s iconic experiences. Climbers will safely travel along the 2 ¼ hour express route through the heart of the Sydney Harbour Bridge’s massive structure before ascending to the very top of the Bridge, 134 metres above sea level. 

The Chinese believe it is important to reach new heights each year (“