HANGZHOU -- In the morning mist on Wudang Mountain in Central China's Hubei province, a young Spaniard dressed in a traditional Taoist robe slowly performed tai chi. Each measured movement of his hands and feet conveyed a sense of composure.
Alex Mieza recently shared a video of this performance on his Instagram account. "Tai chi isn't just slow movement. It's a quiet way to build real internal strength," he wrote.
The post garnered more than 3,000 likes and over 100 comments. One Spanish-speaking user described the practice as beautiful, noting that although it looked like dancing, it required considerable strength and concentration.
The post offers a glimpse into growing international interest in Taoism, a Chinese religious and philosophical tradition featuring teachings on balance, harmony and living in accordance with nature, which are attracting a new generation of followers and enthusiasts worldwide.
On social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, more videos featuring traditional wellness practices such as tai chi, qigong and baduanjin, as well as Taoist philosophy, are posted, reaching audiences far beyond China.
Accounts dedicated to these subjects are gaining traction in English-, Spanish- and French-speaking communities, with practitioners and content creators introducing the Taoist traditions via physical exercises and philosophical discussions.
At the 6th International Taoism Forum, which concluded on Friday in Hangzhou, capital of East China's Zhejiang province, delegates explored why Taoism resonates with young people navigating the pressures and uncertainties of modern life.
Under the theme "Cultivating Virtue Through the Dao, Fostering Harmony Under Heaven," participants discussed five topics: contemporary value and global transmission of Taoist culture, technological development, healthy living, and talent cultivation.
For Lee Moden, vice-president of the British Taoist Association, Taoist culture offers people an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with themselves.
"It provides a space for them to begin to settle down and realize the value of what that space helps them realize in themselves," Moden said.
Moden added that young people today are often caught in a cycle of constantly feeling compelled to respond to messages, promote themselves on social media and create new identities.
Taoist cultivation, by contrast, allows people to let go of constant striving and the constant personal desire to achieve all the time, Moden said.
For Fan Ao, dean of academic affairs at Shanghai Taoist College, located in East China, a key source of Taoism 's appeal lies in its inclusiveness.
In a world where different cultures constantly interact and sometimes clash, young people need ways to navigate diversity, with confidence in their own culture and inclusiveness toward other cultures, Fan said.
Chen Zhiwei, honorary president of the youth group of the Taoist Federation of Singapore, sees Taoism 's appeal in more practical terms.
Many young people face insecurity and stress in their daily lives and Taoist approaches offer ways to cope with pressure and anxiety, Chen said.
"Taoism is not simply about worshiping deities with incense. If you truly understand the word 'Dao', it is a principle that keeps you healthy, long-lived and happy," he said.
For many younger followers and enthusiasts, approaching Taoism does not necessarily mean formally adopting the religion. Some are drawn to its physical practices, while others explore its philosophy as a way to tackle real-world issues.
In Singapore, the Taoist community has been exploring ways to engage younger generations, Chen said. Initiatives include digitizing resources, making temple activities more youth-friendly, and simplifying programs to lower the threshold to participation.
Moden said short videos could help attract young people to Taoism. "If these videos help people become curious, if they think this philosophy is interesting, or they see tai chi, qigong and find it intriguing, that is good. It acts as a gateway," he said.
But social media cannot replace teachers and cannot replace an environment for cultivation, Moden noted.
Fan stressed the importance of continuous study of classical texts rather than relying solely on fragmented online content. Shanghai Taoist College, notably, has been working to interpret Taoist classics in contemporary language, he added.
