Lifting stone blocks has grown to be a favored choice of workout for people in Huai'an City, east China's Jiangsu Province. A group of people from the block lifting association in the city gets together and works out in the local park. /CFP

Lifting stone blocks is a technique in Chinese martial arts and originated from the Tang Dynasty (618 -907 AD). The technique was first practiced among Hui people and then spread to people of all ages. /CFP

In 1991, rock lifting became a demonstration event in the 4th Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China and was inscribed in the state-level intangible cultural heritage list in 2011. /CFP

The technique can be practiced alone or by two or three people of all ages. Long-time practicing helps to build physical strength. /CFP