Wudang martial arts enthusiasts practice their moves.
Wudang martial arts originated in the Wudang Mountains in Shiyan City, Hubei Province. Its founder, Zhang Sanfeng, was a Taoist who lived during the late Yuan (1206-1368) and early Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. He founded the Wudang martial arts by combining Taoist philosophies with martial arts, and created one of the most well-known traditional Chinese exercises known as tai chi. These martial arts are not only combat techniques but also an effective way of improving health and seeking inner peace.
Through many generations of masters of Wudang martial arts, practices of this school have been inherited and developed, making it a major branch of Chinese martial arts. Throughout its history, countless Taoists have been trained in Wudang and then taught the art to others beyond these hills, thus leading to the increasing popularity of Wudang martial arts across China and beyond its borders.
Today, Wudang martial arts have more than 100 million enthusiasts in over 150 countries and regions. Each year, around 30,000 foreign visitors travel to the Wudang Mountains to study martial arts. The health benefits of tai chi have attracted millions of practitioners around the globe, and Tai chi organizations have been established in over 80 countries and regions. At the 2024 World Wudang Tai Chi Conference, participants from 45 countries and regions gathered together to display their skills at Wudang.
Besides yearlong training courses with masters at Wudang martial arts schools, short-term martial arts programs have become a popular way for people to experience Wudang Kung Fu, especially young people. Participants can learn fundamental martial arts techniques, Taoist meditation forms, and classic Taoist texts.
Wudang martial arts was added to the list of China’s national intangible cultural heritage items in 2006. During this year’s Spring Festival celebrations, over 30 Wudang practitioners delivered an impressive performance of martial arts at the 2025 Intangible Cultural Heritage Gala, which was broadcast on the primary channel of China Central Television on January 31. Over the centuries, the charm of Wudang martial arts has not only been kept burning but also shown brighter.
