Beiijng's Tai Chi practitioners gathered this morning at Tiananmen Square to perform traditional martial arts for the benefit of visiting guests from around the world.

Tai Chi performance at Tiananmen Square. (CCTV.com)

Tai Chi is one of the most popular forms of exercise in China. It's also one of the symbols of traditional Chinese culture.

"More than one thousand Tai Chi practitioners from all walks of life in Beijing have been selected to showcase their talents on Tiananmen Square. They say it's a great honor to promote one of the most popular and traditional Chinese martial arts."

55-year-old Jiang Bo has been practicing Tai Chi for ten years.

Jiang Bo said, "Our performance today has special significance. Hosting the Olympics is a-hundred-year dream of China. I'm very pleased to be able to perform Tai Chi during the Olympics on Tiananmen Square."

Others believe the essence of Tai Chi coincides with the Olympic spirit.

Zhang Huairong, another Tai Chi practitioner, "Tai Chi stresses the harmony of body and the tranquil state of mind. We are performing here to express our hope for peace and harmony."

Tai Chi is a popular recreational exercise among the Chinese public. Practicing Tai Chi is considered a good way to improve health. Currently more than one million people in Beijing practice Tai Chi on a regular basis.

(Source: CCTV.com August 10, 2008)