Tai chi wins over diplomats

When thousands of boys performed tai chi during the spectacular opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics, it opened the world's eyes to China's dazzling martial arts.

Tai chi, China's homegrown martial arts that goes back 3,000 years, is now competing with yoga and going to a gym as the activity of choice for many today.

Its followers include many foreigners in China. About 150 diplomats and their wives from 40 countries even spent three days together last weekend at the 11th International Tai Chi Festival and Competition in Handan, Hebei province, the birthplace of the Yang and Woo styles of tai chi.