| Description |
Nourished by the traditional Chinese philosophy and health-preservation notions (i.e., the cycles of Yin and Yang, and the unity of the heaven and humanity), Taijiquan is a traditional physical practice characterized by moving in a round and relaxed way while keeping a righteous and neutral mind. It emphasizes the refinement of one’s mind and breath regulation. Its basic movements centre upon the so-called wubu (five steps) and bafa (eight techniques). The form of movements follows routines, exercises and tuishou (hand-pushing skills performed with a counterpart). By controlling motion and stillness, fast and slow, passive and active movements, ones who learn and practice Taijiquan would achieve the cultivation of the mind and the preservation of physical health.
Since its rise in Chenjiagou Village of Wenxian County during the mid-17th century, Taijiquan has been passed down from generation to generation. On the basis of the Chen School, the element has developed into several schools (or styles) named either after a clan or after a master’s personal name. Nowadays, there are more than 80 bare-hand and prop routines, as well as more than 20 types of tuishou. The cultural meanings and social functions of the element have been continually enriched, bearing witness to human creativity.
In China, the element is widely recognized and practiced. Even today, it still exerts an important function in promoting physical and mental health and a harmonious community life. It provides relevant communities with a sense of identity and continuity.
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| Social and cultural significance |
The element builds upon the yin and yang cycle and the cultural understanding of the unity of heaven and humanity. It has been disseminated through legends, proverbs and rituals, among other vehicles of expression. Safeguarding the element would increase its visibility and dialogue about the diverse ways Taijiquan is practised by different communities. |
| Transmission method |
Clan-based transmission and master-apprentice transmission remain the two main modes of passing down Taijiquan to date. The former takes place across family generations, while the latter relies on the relation of apprenticeship established through the traditional ceremony known as baishi. Each school has developed its orderly lineage system through oral and practical transmission of their specific knowledge and skills. |
| Community |
Bearers of the element are masters and their apprentices, who learn Taijiquan within a clan or through master-apprentice transmission. Masters are responsible for the collection, collation and preservation of quanpu (manuals). Moreover, they transmit the element to their apprentices through various means, such as instruction, supervision of actual practice and answers to doubts and questions. Through continuing practice and process of reflection, apprentices deepen their understanding of the traditional knowledge and techniques by following masters’ oral and body instructions, which fundamentally ensures the inter-generational transmission of the element.
The representative bearers of each school shoulder a special responsibility for the practice and transmission of their own schools’ tradition. Bearers master the knowledge and techniques of their own school and possess specialized practical capabilities. They carry out the transmission through multiple means to ensure the diversity of traditions brought about by different schools, which is fundamental to the sustained viability of the element.
There are no limits of gender, age, social status and etc., concerning the practice of Taijiquan. Thus, the element is widely enacted in China. |
| Type of UNESCO List |
Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity |
| Incribed year in UNESCO List |
2020 |
