China to build first Taiji theme park

China will build a theme park showcasing the traditional martial art of Taiji in Wudang Mountain areas, legendary home of the marital art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as a center of Taoism.

The administrative office of Wudang Mountains and a US company Landmark Entertainment will cooperate to set up the Taiji theme park in the central province of Hubei, said an official with the administration on Wednesday.

The Taiji theme park is expected ratchet up tourism in Wudang Mountain areas, said Li Faping, chief of the administrative office.

Tony Christopher, CEO of the Landmark Entertainment Group, said over $100 million will be invested in the theme park.

Open-air performances will also be staged on waters beside the theme park, Christopher said, adding that the performances are planned to be guided by directors from Hollywood.

The CEO said the Taiji theme park will make the best of the canyon landscape of Wudang Mountains and reflect the mountain's strong Taoist culture.

The administrative office of Wudang Mountains and Landmark Entertainment Group plan to ink investment agreements in early December in Beijing, according to the administrative office.

Taiji is a type of Chinese martial art closely connected with Taoism. The art is usually practiced for self-defense and health benefits.