Preparations have started on the application of Chen-style
shadowboxing for the title of masterpieces of oral and intangible
heritage, proclaimed by UNESCO, said a local official in central
China's Henan
Province.
The theory and practice of Chinese shadowboxing, also known as
Tai Chi or Taiji, were formulated in agreement with
many of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, philosophy
and aesthetics. Groups of people practice it every morning in
hundreds of parks across China and, increasingly, other parts of
the world.
In today's China, there are five major styles of Tai Chi,
each named after the Chinese family that created it, including
Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun styles.
Chen-style Tai Chi is one of the most popular. It
originated in Wenxian County in Henan's Jiaozuo City. Its
birthplace was traditionally, and controversially, credited to Chen
Wangting (1600-1680), who developed the system of physical
exercises based on the patrimonial boxing of the Chen family.
An official of Jiaozuo said Chen-style Tai Chi is an
important legacy of Chinese civilization.
Jiaozuo has hosted seven international Tai Chi games held
annually. The city government has also set up a research institute
for the study of Tai Chi, which the official said would help
illuminate more about the Chen-style.
The official said the application of Chen-style for the title of
masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage was a good opportunity
for people in other parts of the world to better understand Tai
Chi.
The title of masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of
humanity was introduced by UNESCO in 2001. That year saw the
proclamation of 19 of the world's most remarkable examples of the
oral and intangible heritage. Two years later, UNESCO proclaimed
another 28 masterpieces around the world.
Among the 47 masterpieces, China has two, namely Kunqu
opera and the art of Guqin music. Kunqu, China's
oldest and one of the most influential theatrical traditions, was
selected and proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001. The art of Guqin
music, which has existed for 3,000 years and represents China's
foremost solo musical instrument tradition, was selected in
2003.
(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2005)