Guangfu: 2,600 Years Old, Birthplace of Tai Chi

A traditional Chinese therapeutic exercise combining kung fu and the qigong breathing exercise, the popularity of tai chi has spread across the world from Guangfu, where today even toddlers and the very aged continue its practice. Provided to China Daily

The ancient town of Guangfu, in Yongnian county, Hebei province might be as unknown to the outside world as millions of other settlements in China except for a singular fact - it is the birthplace of tai chi.

Now 2,600 years old, Guangfu remains vibrant, attracting adherents who arrive on a pilgrimage to the epicenter of China's most notable martial art.

Tai chi is a traditional Chinese therapeutic exercise combining kung fu and the qigong breathing exercise, practiced by people of all ages.

Famous Yang-style and Wu-style tai chi, now listed as national intangible cultural heritage, were both created in Guangfu.

According to locals, Yang Luchan, an influential tai chi master in the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), studied tai chi chuan - or tai chi boxing - for 18 years and finally learned its essence. Then he created the Yang-style tai chi chuan, which won him the title of "invincible Yang".