Guanxian county preserves legacy of national martial arts treasure

[Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In Guanxian county, Shandong province, the ancient martial art of Chaquan boxing shines as a national intangible cultural heritage. As one of its key birthplaces, the county has dedicated years to preserving and promoting this traditional practice, allowing generations to experience its cultural power through disciplined training.

Dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Chaquan boxing was developed through a blend of local and external influences. Recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage item in 2008, it has evolved into a cultural symbol of the region.

In recent years, Guanxian has broken traditional barriers by introducing Chaquan boxing into schools, communities, and public institutions, attracting martial arts enthusiasts nationwide through events and training programs.

The county has adopted a multifaceted approach — combining inheritors, competitions, education, and cultural tourism — to transform Chaquan boxing from a forgotten art into a vibrant cultural brand. For the younger generation, publications like Chaquan boxing school exercises and basic Chaquan boxing techniques for youth have been introduced to standardize and promote the art in campuses.

Looking ahead, Guanxian county aims to pass this heritage onto the youth and bring Chaquan boxing to broader audiences, sharing the splendor of China’s martial arts with the world. (Edited by Xie Zhenzhen)