Wudang Mountains

Qigong Master living in a cave in the Wudang Mountains

The Wudang Mountains in China are a place martial arts enthusiasts and practitioners shouldn't miss. This beautiful mountain range has a rich cultural history preserved and woven with Tai Chi and Qigong martial arts practices. The Wudang Mountains are renowned for being the cradle of internal martial arts, with dozens of schools that welcome students from across the world. In this blog post, we will learn about the history of Tai Chi and Qigong and how the Wudang Mountains have become a tourist destination for martial arts adventure seekers.

Tai Chi and Qigong are very different martial arts, yet similar. Both originated in China and are part of China's cultural heritage. Tai Chi, also called Tai Chi Chuan, is known for its slow and fluid movements that aim to harmonize a person's body and mind. On the other hand, Qigong is a practice that focuses on pulling and pushing one's body to create a smooth flow of energy. It is also known as Qi.

The roots of Tai Chi and Qigong go deep into Chinese history, and it is said that many of their techniques were born in the Wudang Mountains. In the Taoist tradition, the Wudang Mountains were considered a place called 'Xuan Wu,' a sacred site where one can cultivate immortality. The Wudang Mountains became where Taoist scholars merged their practice with martial arts.

Today, Wudang Mountains are the cradle of Tai Chi and Qigong practice, hosting dozens of martial arts schools that teach these traditions to students from all over the globe. Many schools have their teachings and approaches, but all follow the same values and principles of the Wudang Mountains.

The martial arts schools in Wudang Mountains have a different atmosphere than most other martial arts schools. They promote tranquility, relaxation, and peace as their core values. Apart from martial arts, the Wudang Mountains offer a spectacular view, waterfalls, mountains, and abundant vegetation, which provide a serene atmosphere for individuals practicing Tai Chi and Qigong.

For Tai Chi and Qigong practitioners and enthusiasts, visiting the Wudang Mountains offers an opportunity to learn from seasoned instructors, improve techniques, and gain cultural knowledge. Schools offer programs ranging from short-term classes to long-term courses that take years to complete. Students can immerse themselves in the local culture, tour the beautiful mountains, and practice martial arts with other enthusiasts.

Undoubtedly, Tai Chi and Qigong are a cultural heritage of China, and the Wudang Mountains form an integral part of their history. The Wudang Mountains have undergone significant redevelopment, and today, it is a must-visit tourist destination for martial arts enthusiasts and tourists seeking an immersion into local culture and traditions in China. Visiting the Wudang Mountains is a chance to learn the values of Tai Chi and Qigong, improve martial arts skills, and embrace nature's tranquility and beauty in this marvelously scenic location.

Nuno Calçada Bastos

Photographer working for the Tourism and Events Industry. Open to project-based gigs across Asia.

https://www.nunocalcadabastos.com
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