| Wushu is practised all over China and is an | | | | movements of the body, the hands and the feet |
| important component of the cultural heritage of | | | | and expressions of the eyes, and the latter is |
| the country. Most visitors to China are deeply | | | | related to "the spirit, willpower, vital energy and |
| impressed by the tremendous popularity of | | | | strength." The two aspects are combined as |
| wushu in this country. If you take a walk in the | | | | movements are guided by consciousness so as to |
| morning, you will see people practicing wushu | | | | achieve "a unity of body and mind." |
| barehanded or with weapons in parks, at the | | | | There are hundreds of styles and routines in |
| shore, or on roadside open grounds. Marked by | | | | wushu, each with its own distinctive features. |
| callisthenic beauty and rhythm, their movements | | | | Generally speaking, Shaolin style and Wudang style |
| follow set patterns that are designed more for | | | | are the two most famous styles. Both of them |
| health-building than for self defense. | | | | lay emphasis on the external practice for genuine |
| Wushu, which is sometimes called kung fu abroad, | | | | energy, vital energy and spirit and internal practice |
| has developed over a long historic period. It can | | | | for muscle, bone and skin. Long-Range Shadow |
| be traced back to pre-historical times. In order to | | | | Boxing is characterized by speed and vigor, while |
| survive the extremely hostile environment, our | | | | taijiquan is noted for its slow and gentle |
| ancestors have to learn some primary means of | | | | movements. The humorous zuiquan describes a |
| attack and defense to fight against wild animals | | | | drunkard who is drunk in appearance but not in |
| and among themselves. Moreover, they generally | | | | mind and is sober enough to outwit his opponent. |
| knew how to fight with weapons made from | | | | However, as wushu is becoming worldwide |
| stones and wood or bare-hand fighting. This is | | | | popular, it's a common wish of all Chinese people |
| considered to be the origin of wushu. | | | | to watch wushu competitions at the Beijing |
| Wushu represents the spirit of Chinese culture | | | | Olympic Games. In 2008 Olympic Games, wushu |
| and art. According to the philosophy of traditional | | | | is neither an official event nor performing event, |
| Chinese medicine, wushu exercises consist of both | | | | but is allowed to hold an international competition |
| "external" and "internal" work. The former means | | | | under Olympic Organizing Committee's permission. |