Tai Chi takes world stage as China marks first International Taijiquan Day

This aerial drone photo taken on March 19, 2026 shows people practicing Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, in Chenjiagou Village of Wenxian County, central China's Henan Province. (Photo by Xu Hongxing/Xinhua)

More than 1,200 Tai Chi practitioners from nine countries and 10 Chinese provincial-level regions gathered on Saturday at Wuyi Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for the main event marking UNESCO's inaugural International Taijiquan Day.

The mass demonstration was the centerpiece of events held across China, with special celebrations also taking place at the historic homes of the martial art, including Wudang Mountain in central China's Hubei Province, Wenxian in Henan Province, and Handan in north China's Hebei Province.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated March 21 as the annual International Taijiquan Day at the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan on Nov. 5, 2025.

Lidia Brito, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, said at the meeting that Taijiquan illustrates how traditional sports and games can foster peace and serve as a bridge between people and across generations.