Tai Chi Festival Unites Global Practitioners in Wudang Mountains

WUHAN: The 2025 International Wudang Tai Chi Culture Festival has drawn over 2,000 participants to the Wudang Mountains in Hubei province, China. This week-long event features athletes and experts from 32 countries, all gathering to practice, compete, and celebrate the ancient art of Tai Chi, which has its roots in this region.

Among the attendees is Thomas Weib, a 53-year-old engineer from Germany. Weib’s journey with Tai Chi began as a form of exercise, but it has evolved into a daily ritual that harmonizes his body and mind. “Tai Chi movements look slow, but that’s to help us precisely control our posture and actions,” he explains. “Through Tai Chi, I’ve learned to calm my mind and reflect on the essence of life. What makes it truly special is how it acts as a bridge, connecting people from different countries and languages.”

Bridging Cultures Through Movement

For Liu Cuifang, a Tai Chi coach from Hebei province, the festival exemplifies the universal appeal of the practice. When she first arrived in Paris 18 years ago, Liu spoke only a few words of French. “But the magic of Tai Chi,” Liu says, “is that it doesn’t really need words. Once you raise your arms, lift your feet, and focus your spirit, people would follow.” This week, Liu brought a 38-member group from France to immerse themselves in the culture and observe the competitions.

Liu emphasizes that while movements can be learned through imitation, understanding the philosophy behind Tai Chi requires deeper insights into Chinese culture and Taoist philosophy. She sees herself as an ambassador for these teachings, fluent in French and dedicated to sharing the rich context of Tai Chi with international practitioners.

Statistics from Hubei’s publicity department reveal an impressive growth in the global Tai Chi community, with over 150 countries now hosting active groups and more than 80 nations having formal associations. The Wudang Martial Arts Association has established 21 international promotion centers, training over three million students worldwide.

Global Participation and Impact

This year’s festival has also welcomed Chen Min, president of the Argentine Martial Arts Association, who led a 28-member delegation to compete in the Wudang Tai Chi International Fellowship Competition. This three-day event features more than 1,500 athletes across various Tai Chi styles and age categories, from children to seniors.

Chen, who has participated in similar delegations for five years, notes that Tai Chi has become a vital aspect of life for many in Argentina. “Our members range from 37 to 83 years old. Some of them are lawyers, judges, and accountants. Tai Chi has become part of everyday life for many people in Argentina,” he states. His organization has been promoting Chinese martial arts across South America for over two decades, attracting over 500 participants in regular classes each month.

“Tai Chi teaches patience and balance,” Chen adds. “People everywhere can understand that message, no matter what language they speak.” This sentiment encapsulates the festival’s spirit, as it not only showcases the physical aspects of Tai Chi but also highlights its role in fostering understanding and connection across diverse cultures.

As the festival continues, practitioners like Weib, Liu, and Chen demonstrate how Tai Chi transcends language barriers, creating a universal dialogue through movement and philosophy. The event reinforces the idea that, regardless of where one comes from, the essence of Tai Chi resonates with individuals seeking balance and harmony in their lives.