Kungfu parade

You don't have to visit the Shaolin Temple to learn Chinese martial arts. Beijing itself is a city of "crouching tigers" and "hidden dragons".

Global enthusiasm for rediscovering ancient martial arts kicked off in 1982, when Shaolin Temple, starring Jet Li, became an international blockbuster.

Chinese kungfu is divided into disciples honing "outer" and "inner" attributes. While outer kungfu strengthens the body, the inner practice gives people a mysterious inner force, which can grow stronger as people age. Schools of martial arts that focus on this inner aspect include tai chi, bagua and xingyi boxing. Teachers demand a solid understanding of Chinese culture, which places great emphasis on self-cultivation and harmony between man and nature.