The message flooded Li Yunyun’s phone on the evening of February 16th, Chinese New Year’s Eve: “We saw you on TV!” For the 34-year-vintage tai chi teacher, that brief appearance on China Central Television’s Spring Festival Gala – a program watched by hundreds of millions across China and globally – wasn’t about personal recognition. It was a chance to share the profound cultural significance of tai chi, a practice she’s dedicated her life to mastering and teaching. The moment, a few seconds showcasing her signature Xie Fei Shi (oblique flying posture) with a folding fan, represented years of discipline, a surprising origin story, and a growing passion for preserving a traditional art form.
The Spring Festival Gala is a cultural touchstone in China, and Li Yunyun understood the weight of the opportunity. “Even if I had only one shot,” she explained, “I wanted to show the most authentic tai chi movement.” Her performance wasn’t merely a demonstration of physical skill; it was a distillation of the principles at the heart of tai chi – a balance of strength and softness, openness and closure, a power that resides not in outward display, but in inner cultivation. This dedication to authenticity is driving a renewed interest in promoting tai chi culture both within China and internationally.
The Xie Fei Shi movement Li performed blends elements of Yang-style and Wu-style tai chi, both originating in her hometown of Handan, Hebei province. The Yang style, characterized by its large, flowing movements, is arguably the most widely practiced form globally. The Wu style, known for its compact movements and emphasis on internal energy, offers a different, yet equally powerful, approach. The execution of the Xie Fei Shi requires precise balance: one foot firmly grounded while the other extends, the upper body leaning slightly, and the arm extending like a wing, the fan opening in a deliberate, powerful line. “It’s a movement that contains openness within closure, softness within strength,” Li explained. “That’s the essence of tai chi — strength that doesn’t show itself directly, but exists underneath.”
From Dance Dreams to Martial Arts Discipline
Li’s path to the Gala stage, and to becoming a respected tai chi instructor, began with a playful deception. At age seven, she yearned to learn to dance. Her father, recognizing a different potential, told her they were going to a dance class. Instead, he enrolled her in a martial arts school. “For the first two weeks, I cried every day,” Li recalled with a smile. The rigorous training was a stark contrast to the graceful movements she’d envisioned. But a turning point came with the film The Shaolin Temple (1982), a hugely popular martial arts film that sparked a national interest in Chinese martial arts. Inspired by the heroic spirit depicted on screen, Li found herself drawn to the discipline and physical challenge.
“Martial arts training is hard, but the sense of achievement afterward, the confidence that comes from within… that’s something nothing else can give you,” she said. She spent years mastering various “external” styles – Xiaohongquan, Dahongquan, Qixingquan, and later Changquan, along with weapons training at the city sports school. These styles, she explained, prioritize speed, power, and explosive movements, focusing on outward force. But everything changed when she encountered tai chi.
The Shift to Internal Power
Tai chi, unlike the external styles, emphasizes internal energy, balance, and coordination. It’s a practice rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and medicine, often described as “meditation in motion.” Li’s initial reaction wasn’t immediate enthusiasm. After years of dynamic, visible power, the subtle movements of tai chi felt…different. But she quickly realized that the power wasn’t absent; it was simply channeled differently. It wasn’t about *showing* strength, but *cultivating* it from within.
“The external styles are like a shout, immediately visible and impactful,” Li explained. “Tai chi is more like a whisper, a quiet strength that builds over time. It’s about harnessing your internal energy and using it to move with efficiency and grace.” This shift in perspective wasn’t just about martial arts; it influenced her approach to life. She began to see the value of patience, perseverance, and the importance of finding balance in all things.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy
Today, Li Yunyun is dedicated to sharing the benefits of tai chi with others. She teaches a growing number of students in Handan, emphasizing not just the physical techniques, but also the philosophical underpinnings of the practice. She believes that tai chi offers a valuable antidote to the stresses of modern life, promoting physical health, mental clarity, and a deeper connection to one’s inner self. Her appearance on the Spring Festival Gala wasn’t about seeking fame; it was about raising awareness of this ancient art form and inspiring others to explore its potential.
The popularity of tai chi is experiencing a resurgence globally. A Statista report indicates increasing participation in the United States, driven by its recognized health benefits, including improved balance, reduced stress, and enhanced cardiovascular health. This growing interest underscores the enduring appeal of tai chi as a holistic practice that benefits both body and mind.
Li’s work extends beyond the studio. She actively participates in cultural exchange programs, demonstrating tai chi to international audiences and promoting understanding of Chinese culture. She sees herself as a custodian of a valuable tradition, responsible for preserving its authenticity and passing it on to future generations.
Looking ahead, Li Yunyun plans to continue expanding her teaching and exploring new ways to share the benefits of tai chi. She is currently developing online resources to reach a wider audience and collaborating with local schools to introduce tai chi to young people. The next step, she says, is to further refine her teaching methods and deepen her own understanding of the art form.
What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of tai chi? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might be interested in learning more about this fascinating practice.
