Although hip-hop has been around for several decades in the United States and around the world, the hip-hop scene in China is just beginning to blossom. Hip-hop in Beijing emerged around the year 2000, but its roots stretch back to the late 1980s.

Chinese enthusiasts don't think that dancing hip-hop means defying Chinese conventions.

Hip-hop dancer, said, "I think our Kungfu style of hip-hop represents a new cultural scene in China. It may give a new side to hip-hop which has been seen as western culture."

The roots of hip-hop are found in African-American and Western-African culture. When hip-hop spread to China, young people were drawn to it not just because of the music and fashion, but also by the free spirit it represents.

But they still have to conquer a lot of difficulties when trying to combine the western dance style with Chinese Kungfu.

Hip-hop dancer, said, "The cultural backgrounds are different. Hip-hop style dancing must be very relaxed, while Kungfu requires serious discipline. What we can do is just practice, practice and practice."

(CCTV September 23, 2008)