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

An aerial drone photo taken on March 21, 2026 shows a mass demonstration event of Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua)

This marks the first time a martial art has been recognized with an official international day within the United Nations system, underscoring Taijiquan's status as both an intangible cultural heritage and a global fitness practice embraced by millions worldwide.

"The date choice around the Chinese solar term Chunfen conveys Tai Chi's core value: the pursuit of dynamic balance between life and nature," said Ekarat Janrathitikarn, dean of the Maritime Silk Road Confucius Institute in Thailand, who has practiced Taijiquan for nearly 10 years.

Chunfen, or the vernal equinox, occurs when the Sun is positioned directly above the Earth's equator, bringing day and night into equal length and falling between March 19 and 22 on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it fell on March 20. The perfect balance of light and dark reflects the core philosophy of Tai Chi.

Janrathitikarn calls himself a devoted fan of Tai Chi. "The school introduced Taijiquan into its curriculum a year after its founding in 2015. Through the course, students not only learn the exercise but also better understand the Chinese ways of thinking, which many alumni said has led to their career success," he said.