Participants perform Tai Chi during the 7th Wudang Tai Chi International Fellowship Competition in Shiyan, China's Hubei Province, on October 22, 2023. /CFP
To anyone well-versed in the world of Chinese martial arts literature, Wudang Mountain needs no introduction. As a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site, its majestic peaks, lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and mystical mist have captured the imagination of martial arts enthusiasts for centuries.
Considered an idyllic training ground for those pursuing enlightenment and inner cultivation, Wudang Mountain's awe-inspiring beauty exudes an atmosphere that resonates with seekers of higher realms.
Monday witnessed the grand opening of the World Wudang Tai Chi Conference, an eagerly awaited global event that placed Wudang Mountain in the spotlight once again. Serving as a vital platform, this annual gathering brings together Tai Chi aficionados from across the world, uniting their passion and dedication to propel the growth and preservation of Tai Chi.
During the conference, the 7th International Wudang Tai Chi Quan Fellowship Competition will also take place. The tournament will feature a range of competitive events, including individual performances, paired exercises and group demonstrations.
Moreover, the conference venue will host a vibrant Wudang cultural market, incorporating state-of-the-art technologies such as high-definition screens, interactive devices, and immersive experiences through AR and VR. This innovative setup aims to create an otherworldly exhibition area inspired by the realm of martial arts novels, providing visitors with a truly captivating and personalized journey.
According to the organizers, the tournament has received registrations from an impressive count of 1,503 athletes representing 33 countries and regions. Among them, there are 1,375 athletes hailing from China, while an additional 128 foreign athletes from 32 countries and regions, including Italy, France and the United Kingdom, have also enrolled.
Lucia Prandlova from Slovakia competes during the 7th Wudang Tai Chi International Fellowship Competition in Shiyan, China's Hubei Province, on October 22, 2023. /CFP
Through this momentous conference, Wudang Mountain seeks to unveil its storied history, pristine ecological wonders and profound cultural heritage to the world. With the aim of popularizing Wudang Tai Chi on a global scale, this gathering promises to showcase the mesmerizing allure of Tai Chi culture in a whole new light.