BEIJING – As dawn breaks over Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven, hundreds of people gather beneath towering cypress trees to perform the slow, flowing movements of tai chi, a centuries-old Chinese martial art that continues to attract practitioners seeking better health, balance and mental well-being in today’s fast-paced world.
Every morning, retirees, office workers and fitness enthusiasts move in unison through graceful routines such as “White Crane Spreads Its Wings” and “Part the Wild Horse’s Mane,” demonstrating how an ancient tradition remains relevant in modern society. Many participants say the daily practice has improved not only their physical health but also their emotional resilience and quality of life.
“The environment is great and the air is good too,” said Ye Guirong, 64, who leads the Cypress Grove tai chi group at the Temple of Heaven. “You can see we’re surrounded by trees.”
Ye discovered tai chi in 2010 after retiring. While walking around Beijing, she came across a group practicing in the park and decided to join. She now teaches beginners, introducing them to the basic movements before gradually guiding them to more advanced routines.
Her group has around 30 members and recently welcomed 59-year-old newcomer Zu Hong, who learned a 24-movement routine in about a month.
“I thought tai chi looked very beautiful,” Zu said. “I wanted to exercise, so I came here to the Temple of Heaven.”
The Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks, was built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. For centuries, Chinese emperors held ceremonies there to pray for abundant harvests and symbolize harmony between heaven and earth. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site serves not only as a major tourist attraction but also as one of Beijing’s most popular public spaces for exercise, dance, music and tai chi.
Tai chi, also known as Taijiquan, traces its origins to the 17th century in Chenjiagou village in central China’s Henan Province. Historians widely recognize Chen Wangting, a retired military commander, as the founder of Chen-style tai chi, the oldest known form of the practice. Over time, additional styles such as Yang, Wu, Sun and Hao evolved, each emphasizing different techniques while maintaining the same core principles of controlled movement, relaxation, breathing and balance.
Today, Yang-style tai chi is among the most widely practiced forms worldwide because of its gentle, flowing movements that are suitable for beginners, older adults and people of varying fitness levels.
Beyond its martial arts heritage, tai chi is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy. It draws on the concept of Taiji, representing harmony between opposing yet complementary forces, and incorporates the traditional belief in qi, often described as the body’s vital energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, maintaining a balanced flow of qi contributes to overall health and well-being.
James Miller, a professor of Humanities at Duke Kunshan University, said practices such as tai chi and qigong are intended to regulate and improve the flow of qi throughout the body, reflecting principles central to Daoist philosophy and broader Chinese views of health and nature.
Modern scientific research has also highlighted the physical and mental health benefits of tai chi. According to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), regular practice can improve balance, flexibility and muscle strength while reducing the risk of falls among older adults. Studies have also found evidence that tai chi may help relieve stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, ease chronic pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, and enhance overall quality of life. Health experts emphasize that tai chi is a low-impact exercise suitable for people of different ages and fitness levels, although individuals with existing medical conditions should consult healthcare professionals before beginning a new exercise program.
Ye’s group gathers every morning at 7:40 a.m. to practice for about 90 minutes, rotating through routines consisting of 24, 42 and 48 movements. Some sessions also incorporate traditional weapons such as swords and fans.
“Through exercising, everyone’s health has improved,” Ye said. “Our spirits are especially good.”
Tai chi master Chen Haitao said the practice combines physical movement with mindfulness and self-cultivation, making it accessible to nearly everyone.
“One of the great benefits of Taijiquan is that it is suitable for everyone,” Chen said. “As long as you learn the basic principles correctly and maintain proper alignment, whoever practices it will benefit from it.”
More than three centuries after its creation, tai chi continues to bridge ancient wisdom and modern wellness, offering millions of people in China and around the world a gentle yet effective way to stay physically active, reduce stress and cultivate a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Sources: Associated Press, UNESCO, U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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