The seven-member CIE student investigation team went to Jiaozuo city in Henan province, the home to Chinese Tai Chi Quan, where they gained further insight into the origin, history and development of this significant Chinese traditional culture. They made questionnaire survey, visited well-known family of Tai Chi and randomly interviewed Tai Chi practitioner, the materials they collected through which will be greatly helpful to raise people’s awareness of intangible cultural heritage protection.

To make the investigation plan more fruitful and the questionnaires more targeted, the team initiated their preparation as long as the group established. Having collected information through literature review, news reports and documentaries, they familiarized themselves with the development and the origin of Tai Chi Quan and Tai Chi culture.

On July 27th, the first day of their arrival at Jiaozuo City, the team started their investigation with a city tour, from which they found the People’s Park and People’s Square were places where local people normally do Tai Chi exercise. They timely adjusted their plan and came to city People’s Square for random interview, trying to find out the popularization of Tai Chi among local people. It was soon proved that Tai Chi was the first choice of morning exercises, especially of the seniors who have sticked to exercise for decades. And Tai Chi has been playing an essential role in local people’s daily life. Most of local schools even offer the Tai Chi classes as optional courses.

Tai Chi, a treasure of Chinese traditional culture, loading profound cultural connotation, combines the thoughts of Man-Nature-Unity, Yin-yang and five elements and Taoist concept of human conduct. As it is, Tai Chi itself represents the Chinese ancient philosophy. The local people stayed true to their mission as heirs who never stopped their pace of carrying forward the Tai Chi culture. In following days, the group is to visit local Tai Chi Quan club, well-known family of Tai Chi Quan, and achieves to explore more in this field.

talking with Tai Chi player


trying the Tai Chi Quan


interviewing the local people
                                              (Photos by: Zhang Shanyu; Translated by: Yan Xianhui)