By Wang Chunhong
A taiji performance in Chongqing.Photo: IC
One year ago, traditional Chinese taiji, also known in the West as taijiquan or shadow boxing, fascinated onlookers at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.
The popularity of the martial art has seen several travel companies expand their taiji tourism programs in order to capitalize on and promote the art and give more people access to experience it first hand.
"During our taiji discovery tour, people can learn invaluable taiji techniques for life from specially selected masters," explained Shen Deyi, manager of Tianyigu Culture Communication Company.
"In addition, visitors will be guided to the hottest scenic spots and relevant cultural destinations in Beijing and Xi'an, as well as visiting the hometown of taiji to discover the history of its evolution," Shen said.
As an age-old style of Chinese traditional martial arts, with graceful and synchronized movements, taiji is widely practiced and enjoyed both in China and abroad.
"Since taiji is a typical element in traditional Chinese culture, one-day or short-session taiji tours have been on itineraries for years," said Zhai Yi from China Youth Travel Services. "But these are just simple experiences for entertainment, not for professional training."
"The new program will invite some leading masters, such as Professor Huang Zhenhuan, the founder of Dadao Taiji, a Taoist school, as instructors. The close relationship with the best taiji masters in China can provide a top-level taiji training experience for visitors, which is scarcely available elsewhere," Shen explained.
During Shen's taiji discovery tour, visiting the birthplaces of different styles of taiji, such as Chenjiagou in Wenxian, Henan Province and Yongnian in Hebei Province, are a highlight.
People practising taiji in Yongnian. Photo: Xinhua
Visitors can enjoy a Chenstyle taiji performance by descendents and disciples of the Chen family in Chenjiagou, visit the Guangfu ancient city wall and the former residences of Yang Luchan, the founder of Yang-style taiji and Wu Yuxiang, the founder of Wu-style taiji.
Lectures on the core principles of taiji are also part of the tour.
"Taiji is not just a self-defense art, but also has healthcare functions and profound traditional Chinese culture components. The regular practice of taiji not only brings fitness but also makes people sense the greatness and secrets of this ancient culture," Huang explained.
"Other martial arts are in favor of confrontation, but taiji is inclined toward self-defense and cultivating the spirit. In my point of view, taiji also encourages people to be good citizens and conduct their lives in an appropriate way," added Cao Yimin, chairman of the Martial Arts Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
"I would like to participate in a taiji tour, just because I am fascinated about this kind of martial art," commented tourist Zhu Yuejun. "If I can get to the birthplace of taiji to make friends and meet masters, I think I can learn more about the essence of it."
"Participating in a taiji tour is only worthwhile if we can learn more about taiji, otherwise I prefer to stay in Beijing for regular practice," said 73-year-old taiji practitioner Fan Yaozu. "I hope the tour can be practical and offer techniques that are unique and innovative to help us to achieve a higher level."
According to tour organizer Shen, the main tourists choosing the program are from overseas and enjoy taiji. The price for a 14-day package is around $3,000-$4,000.
"Maybe a 14-day tour is not enough for visitors to grasp all of the techniques of taiji nor see every beautiful scenic spot in China, but the essence of taiji that people get during the tour will benefit them all their life," Shen said. "They will find their life qualities and attitudes toward society are completely different, which may evoke a new lifestyle for the future."
