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Meet the crew that makes dancing lions for Chinese New Year in the United States

Corey Chan in his garage workshop where he and his team create giant, spectacular lions for the Lunar New Year, in San Francisco, Oct. 17, 2025. ÒYou donÕt do this kind of thing to make a lot of money real fast,Ó Chan said. ÒItÕs art.Ó (Jake Michaels/The New York Times)

Mr Corey Chan in his garage workshop where he and his team create giant, spectacular lions for Chinese New Year in San Francisco.

PHOTO: JAKE MICHAELS/NYTIMES

Miya Lee

UNITED STATES – Mr Corey Chan’s San Francisco home looks like any other in the elevated neighbourhood of Anza Vista: simple, two-storeyed, with large windows to let in sweeping views of the skyline and glimmering bay below.

But when the 63-year-old opens his two-car garage, it is like a portal to another world.

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United States

Traditional arts

Chinese New Year