Top 10 Kung Fu Hometowns in China
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Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Wushu (martial arts), is a combination of different fighting styles and techniques developed over centuries for physical training, self-defense, competition and improving self-discipline.
The art of Kung Fu, integrating strength, elegance and philosophy, is an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. Kung Fu is not only popular in China, though. It enjoys worldwide renown and has become the main symbol of Chinese culture for many foreigners.
Here, we give you China's top ten Kung Fu hometowns to guide you through this famed traditional mysterious and fantastic world.
The art of Kung Fu, integrating strength, elegance and philosophy, is an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. Kung Fu is not only popular in China, though. It enjoys worldwide renown and has become the main symbol of Chinese culture for many foreigners.
Here, we give you China's top ten Kung Fu hometowns to guide you through this famed traditional mysterious and fantastic world.
#10 Bozhou, Anhui 安徽亳州
Wuqinxi, or Five Animal Frolics, was founded more than 1,800 years ago by Hua Tuo, a famed Chinese physician in the Eastern Han Dynasty.
Located in northwestern Anhui Province, Bozhou City is an ancient city with a history of more than 3,000 years. Bozhou is known as the hometown of such renowned martial art forms as Wuqinxi, Liuhebafa Chuan and Muslim-style Xiyang Fist-fighting. Wuqinxi, or Five Animal Frolics, was founded more than 1,800 years ago by Hua Tuo, a famed Chinese physician in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Hua Tao devised the system after studying the movements and mannerisms of the tiger, deer, bear, monkey, and crane. Wuqinxi has become one of the most popular health-building Qi Gong exercises, both in China and overseas. In Bozhou alone, there are more than 100,000 Wuqinxi practitioners. The Liuhebafa Chuan, or Six Harmonies Eight Methods Boxing, was created in Bozhou more than 1,000 years ago by the legendary Taoist sage Chen Chuan (871-989).
Located in northwestern Anhui Province, Bozhou City is an ancient city with a history of more than 3,000 years. Bozhou is known as the hometown of such renowned martial art forms as Wuqinxi, Liuhebafa Chuan and Muslim-style Xiyang Fist-fighting. Wuqinxi, or Five Animal Frolics, was founded more than 1,800 years ago by Hua Tuo, a famed Chinese physician in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Hua Tao devised the system after studying the movements and mannerisms of the tiger, deer, bear, monkey, and crane. Wuqinxi has become one of the most popular health-building Qi Gong exercises, both in China and overseas. In Bozhou alone, there are more than 100,000 Wuqinxi practitioners. The Liuhebafa Chuan, or Six Harmonies Eight Methods Boxing, was created in Bozhou more than 1,000 years ago by the legendary Taoist sage Chen Chuan (871-989).
#9 Huaiyang, Henan 河南淮阳
Today, Huaiyang boasts more than 20 martial art styles which are practiced by over 300,000 local people.
It can be said that Huaiyang County, located in Zhoukou City of Henan Province is the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. Legend has it that Fu Xi, the first of the Three Sovereigns of ancient China, set his capital in Wanqiu, today's Huaiyang, some 6,000 years ago. Fu Xi devised the Eight Diagrams of Yin and Yang (the positive and negative), which later became the theoretical foundation of Chinese martial arts. He not only invented weapons, but also developed fighting moves into systematic routines. Today, Huaiyang boasts more than 20 martial art styles which are practiced by over 300,000 local people. The Fu Xi bagua is one of China's rarest and most treasured boxing styles.
It can be said that Huaiyang County, located in Zhoukou City of Henan Province is the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. Legend has it that Fu Xi, the first of the Three Sovereigns of ancient China, set his capital in Wanqiu, today's Huaiyang, some 6,000 years ago. Fu Xi devised the Eight Diagrams of Yin and Yang (the positive and negative), which later became the theoretical foundation of Chinese martial arts. He not only invented weapons, but also developed fighting moves into systematic routines. Today, Huaiyang boasts more than 20 martial art styles which are practiced by over 300,000 local people. The Fu Xi bagua is one of China's rarest and most treasured boxing styles.
#8 Danjiangkou, Hubei 湖北丹江口
Located in Shiyan City of Hubei Province, Danjiangkou City is known as the cradle of Wudang martial arts.
Located in Shiyan City of Hubei Province, Danjiangkou City is known as the cradle of Wudang martial arts. Wudang Mountain in Danjiangkou is the most famous and venerated Taoist site in China. According to an old Chinese saying, "In the North, Shaolin holds sway, while in the South, Wudang rules". The Wudang martial arts, a precious treasure of China's martial art culture, were founded by a semi-legendary Chinese Taoist Zhang Sanfeng who lived during the late Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Zhang reputedly originated the concepts of Wudang Neijia Boxing-soft, internal martial arts- by integrating the traditional Shaolin wushu with the quintessence of such Chinese classics as the I Ching and Tao Te Ching. Wudang Neijia Boxing, as a combination of kungfu and health preservation methods, has millions of fans and practitioners all over the world. Dozens of Wudang Kung Fu research institutions have also been established.
Located in Shiyan City of Hubei Province, Danjiangkou City is known as the cradle of Wudang martial arts. Wudang Mountain in Danjiangkou is the most famous and venerated Taoist site in China. According to an old Chinese saying, "In the North, Shaolin holds sway, while in the South, Wudang rules". The Wudang martial arts, a precious treasure of China's martial art culture, were founded by a semi-legendary Chinese Taoist Zhang Sanfeng who lived during the late Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Zhang reputedly originated the concepts of Wudang Neijia Boxing-soft, internal martial arts- by integrating the traditional Shaolin wushu with the quintessence of such Chinese classics as the I Ching and Tao Te Ching. Wudang Neijia Boxing, as a combination of kungfu and health preservation methods, has millions of fans and practitioners all over the world. Dozens of Wudang Kung Fu research institutions have also been established.
#7 Emeishan, Sichuan 四川峨眉山
Emei Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu and Wudang Kung Fu, are famed as the three biggest martial art sects in China.
Emei Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu and Wudang Kung Fu, are famed as the three biggest martial art sects in China. Emei Kung Fu is named after Mount Emei, one of China's four Buddhist holy mountains, in Emei City of southwestern Sichuan Province. Emei Kung Fu was created by Situ Xuankong during the late Warring States Period (476-221 BC). It absorbed the essence of different martial art styles and developed into a unique, eye-catching and myth-generating sect. Emei techniques focus on such concepts as "A strike delivered later hits first" and "Using a soft approach to subdue a tough opponent". Emei Kung Fu boasts a total of 1,638 training methods, boxing styles and weapons.
Emei Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu and Wudang Kung Fu, are famed as the three biggest martial art sects in China. Emei Kung Fu is named after Mount Emei, one of China's four Buddhist holy mountains, in Emei City of southwestern Sichuan Province. Emei Kung Fu was created by Situ Xuankong during the late Warring States Period (476-221 BC). It absorbed the essence of different martial art styles and developed into a unique, eye-catching and myth-generating sect. Emei techniques focus on such concepts as "A strike delivered later hits first" and "Using a soft approach to subdue a tough opponent". Emei Kung Fu boasts a total of 1,638 training methods, boxing styles and weapons.
#6 Foshan, Guangdong 广东佛山
When talking about Southern-style Kung Fu, Foshan City in Guangdong Province comes to the fore.
When talking about Southern-style Kung Fu, Foshan City in Guangdong Province comes to the fore. As an economically important city in the Pearl River Delta, Foshan drew in different Kung Fu schools which later prospered and become famous around the world. Examples include the Hung Gar system, founded by Hung Hei-gun, a major figure of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu; and Wing Chun, founded by Yim Wing-chun. Foshan Hongsheng Martial Arts Center, founded in 1851 by martial art master Zhangyan, was once the largest Kung Fu center in China. The center is famous for developing Choy Li Fut, an effective self-defense system established by Chan Heung in 1836, into a well-known and popular form. Foshan is the hometown of such house-hold Kung Fu names as Wong Fei-hung, a folk hero and the most famous Hung Gar practitioner in modern times; Leung Jan, a skilled Wing Chun practitioner; and Bruce Lee, a renowned Kung Fu actor and founder of the Jeet Kune Do system. Here, visitors have a unique opportunity to fully explore the magnificent world of Chinese Kung Fu.
When talking about Southern-style Kung Fu, Foshan City in Guangdong Province comes to the fore. As an economically important city in the Pearl River Delta, Foshan drew in different Kung Fu schools which later prospered and become famous around the world. Examples include the Hung Gar system, founded by Hung Hei-gun, a major figure of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu; and Wing Chun, founded by Yim Wing-chun. Foshan Hongsheng Martial Arts Center, founded in 1851 by martial art master Zhangyan, was once the largest Kung Fu center in China. The center is famous for developing Choy Li Fut, an effective self-defense system established by Chan Heung in 1836, into a well-known and popular form. Foshan is the hometown of such house-hold Kung Fu names as Wong Fei-hung, a folk hero and the most famous Hung Gar practitioner in modern times; Leung Jan, a skilled Wing Chun practitioner; and Bruce Lee, a renowned Kung Fu actor and founder of the Jeet Kune Do system. Here, visitors have a unique opportunity to fully explore the magnificent world of Chinese Kung Fu.
#5 Quanzhou, Fujian 福建泉州
Quanzhou, a city lying in the southeast of Fujian Province, is the birthplace of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu, which originated in the Jin and Tang dynasties (265－907).
Shaolin Kung Fu falls into two major traditions: Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin. Quanzhou, a city lying in the southeast of Fujian Province, is the birthplace of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu, which originated in the Jin and Tang dynasties (265－907). Southern Shaolin mainly consists of Wuzu Quan (Five Ancestors Boxing), which combines five different styles: the hand techniques of White Crane, posture and dynamic power of Luohan, agility and footwork of Monkey, light techniques of Emperor Tai Tzu and breathing methods and iron body of Da Mo. Japanese karate, as well as Wing Chun, originated from the White Crane Boxing style created by Fang Qiniang, a female martial artist who lived in Yongchun County of Quanzhou during the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911). Some of Quanzhou's famous historical figures, including Zheng Chenggong, a national hero during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, were also outstanding martial artists.
Shaolin Kung Fu falls into two major traditions: Northern Shaolin and Southern Shaolin. Quanzhou, a city lying in the southeast of Fujian Province, is the birthplace of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu, which originated in the Jin and Tang dynasties (265－907). Southern Shaolin mainly consists of Wuzu Quan (Five Ancestors Boxing), which combines five different styles: the hand techniques of White Crane, posture and dynamic power of Luohan, agility and footwork of Monkey, light techniques of Emperor Tai Tzu and breathing methods and iron body of Da Mo. Japanese karate, as well as Wing Chun, originated from the White Crane Boxing style created by Fang Qiniang, a female martial artist who lived in Yongchun County of Quanzhou during the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911). Some of Quanzhou's famous historical figures, including Zheng Chenggong, a national hero during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, were also outstanding martial artists.
#4 Yongnian, Hebei 河北永年
Located in Handan City of Hebei Province, Yongnian County is the hometown of Tai Chi Chuan, and about 70 percent of the population practices this form of Chinese martial arts.
Located in Handan City of Hebei Province, Yongnian County is the hometown of Tai Chi Chuan, and about 70 percent of the population practices this form of Chinese martial arts. The county is especially famous for Guangfu Ancient Town, which is recognized worldwide as a place of pilgrimage for Tai Chi devotees. Surrounded by an artificial river, the town is known as the cradle of both the Yang and Wu Tai Chi schools. Yang Tai Chi, created by Yang Luchan during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor (1820-1850) in the Qing Dynasty, has been handed down for five generations over more than 180 years. It's the most influential and popular Tai Chi style in the world. Other Tai Chi masters in Yongnian include Wu Yuxiang, Li Yishe, Yang Banhou and Hao Weizhen.
Located in Handan City of Hebei Province, Yongnian County is the hometown of Tai Chi Chuan, and about 70 percent of the population practices this form of Chinese martial arts. The county is especially famous for Guangfu Ancient Town, which is recognized worldwide as a place of pilgrimage for Tai Chi devotees. Surrounded by an artificial river, the town is known as the cradle of both the Yang and Wu Tai Chi schools. Yang Tai Chi, created by Yang Luchan during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor (1820-1850) in the Qing Dynasty, has been handed down for five generations over more than 180 years. It's the most influential and popular Tai Chi style in the world. Other Tai Chi masters in Yongnian include Wu Yuxiang, Li Yishe, Yang Banhou and Hao Weizhen.
#3 Cangzhou, Hebei 河北沧州
Located in southeast Hebei Province, Cangzhou City is historically renowned for both its Kung Fu practitioners and acrobats.
Located in southeast Hebei Province, Cangzhou City is historically renowned for both its Kung Fu practitioners and acrobats. Living in a place of strategic importance which was frequently involved in wars in ancient times, the local people had to learn Kung Fu for self-defense and survival. As a result, the tradition of practicing Kung Fu prevailed in Cangzhou. Cangzhou Kung Fu dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC). It rose in popularity during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was renowned at home and abroad by the end of the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911). It includes 53 schools of boxing and weapons, accounting for 40 percent of China's total number of 129. Cangzhou has been home to a great number of established Kung Fu masters, including Ding Faxiang, Huo Diange and Zhang Zhijiang.
Located in southeast Hebei Province, Cangzhou City is historically renowned for both its Kung Fu practitioners and acrobats. Living in a place of strategic importance which was frequently involved in wars in ancient times, the local people had to learn Kung Fu for self-defense and survival. As a result, the tradition of practicing Kung Fu prevailed in Cangzhou. Cangzhou Kung Fu dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC). It rose in popularity during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was renowned at home and abroad by the end of the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911). It includes 53 schools of boxing and weapons, accounting for 40 percent of China's total number of 129. Cangzhou has been home to a great number of established Kung Fu masters, including Ding Faxiang, Huo Diange and Zhang Zhijiang.
#2 Dengfeng, Henan 河南登封
Dubbed as "The Land with the Greatest Number of Tough Guys", Dengfeng City is located in Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province.
Dubbed as "The Land with the Greatest Number of Tough Guys", Dengfeng City is located in Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province. Dengfeng has more than 60 Kung Fu schools and institutions which train over 60,000 Chinese and foreign students. Visitors to the city can feel the local people's enthusiasm for Kung Fu: The elderly can be seen shadow-boxing in the park, while the young practice their Kung Fu skills by the roadside. Dengfeng is home of the prestigious Shaolin Temple, a historical architectural complex which is much more than just a temple. The 1500-year-old temple is well-known throughout the world as the cradle of the original Shaolin Kung Fu, which is widely recognized as the most influential Kung Fu sect in China. The city attracts people of all ages who are crazy about Chinese Kung Fu.
Dubbed as "The Land with the Greatest Number of Tough Guys", Dengfeng City is located in Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan Province. Dengfeng has more than 60 Kung Fu schools and institutions which train over 60,000 Chinese and foreign students. Visitors to the city can feel the local people's enthusiasm for Kung Fu: The elderly can be seen shadow-boxing in the park, while the young practice their Kung Fu skills by the roadside. Dengfeng is home of the prestigious Shaolin Temple, a historical architectural complex which is much more than just a temple. The 1500-year-old temple is well-known throughout the world as the cradle of the original Shaolin Kung Fu, which is widely recognized as the most influential Kung Fu sect in China. The city attracts people of all ages who are crazy about Chinese Kung Fu.
#1 Wen County, Henan 河南温县
Known as the cradle of Tai Chi Chuan, Wen County is located in Jiaozuo City, Henan Province. It is especially famous for Chenjiagou Village, where the skilled martial artist Chen Wangting (1580–1660) developed Tai Chi by integrating the strengths of the martial art styles established by the Ming General Qi Jiguang (1528-1588) and different elements of Chinese philosophy into his family's traditional training practice in the middle of the 17th century. Chen-style Tai Chi is the parent form of the other four Tai Chi styles, which are Yang, Wu, Sun and Woo. Chen's descendants have, over the years, established more than 50 Tai Chi schools and centers to help spread this form of Chinese martial arts. Tai Chi is now practiced by around 150,000,000 people in more than 150 countries and regions. Tiny Chenjiagou Village, which is home to many Tai Chi masters, is regarded as a Mecca by Tai Chi fans and practitioners.
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