Feature
With a lot of splendid action movies on, Chinese Gongfu becomes popular image for China and Chinese culture. Known as Kung-fu by most foreigners, it is a traditional Chinese martial art with thousands years of history. As a precious element of China's cultural heritage, Chinese Kung-fu has also won its name all around the world for its broad and deep meanings and its Oriental features, which covers it with a mysterious veil.
Chinese Gongfu (martial art) is not only the kick boxing or simple fighting, but a perfect combination of many factors. The essential philosophy is Confucian harmony theory while syncretize Taoistic tranquility and gentility as well as Buddhistic sitting and realizing, which form up an inclusive and intensive martial art system. Chinese Gongfu contains ancestors’ realization about the life and the universe.
Although there are a lot of genres of Gongfu, there is a common ground among them. All Gongfu practicers stand to martial art virtue, which due to the influence of Confucian theory. The real hero is the image of justice who obviates the danger and helps the poor. Assassination and sneak attack are indelicate behavior and disdained by the real masters. In the old time, when a martial master accepted a prentice, several years’ time was cost to check his or her morality and quality. The master wouldn’t teach the real Gongfu until the quality confirmation.
Martial art holds a high social status in the feudalistic dynasties. It was popular for celebrities and important people to practice Gongfu. Literal knowledge and martial skills were the standards to review a talent. Martial champion was set in the imperial examinations.
Chinese Gongfu also has close network with the religion. According to the region, martial art is divided in to two genres: southern Wudang and northern Shaolin. Mountain Wudang is the sacred place for Taoists while the Shaolin Temple is the pilgrim site for Buddhists.
Taoism was born in China, advocating inaction and abstinency, which was absorbed by martial masters as Wudang’s theory. There are also other theories coming from Taoism, such as Taiji, Yin and Yang and so on. As for the Buddhism, since temples usually located in the rural mountains and living conditions were tough, monks had to practice footwork, arm power, courage and perseverance. In order to defense the possible attack from beasts and gangsters, monks began to practice martial art. The temples became the martial art base at the early time. Lot of magic legends about the Chinese Gongfu become the main attraction for the youths hiking thousands miles to learn from masters.
Nowadays, parents send their children to practice believe martial art not only for keeping a healthy build but also for understanding and passing Chinese traditional culture. In the morning’s park, many Qi gong and shadow boxing practicers can be seen. Martial art has already been a part of Chinese people’s life.
In Beijing, you have an opportunity to appreciate a large Gongfu show “Legend of Gongfu”. The show tells a story that a little monk grows into a master from a childish boy, with the theme of difficulties and growth. Splendid fighting actions and graceful dances will bring you great enjoyment.
Time Range
19:30---20:50
Price for Reference
A RMB224 /343 /per/person (ticket only)
B RMB483 /567 /per/person (ticket+taxi pick-up+English speaking guide service) Minimum 2 persons.