Preparations have started on the application of Chen-style shadowboxing for the title of masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage, proclaimed by UNESCO, said a local official in central China's Henan Province.  

The theory and practice of Chinese shadowboxing, also known as Tai Chi or Taiji, were formulated in agreement with many of the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, philosophy and aesthetics. Groups of people practice it every morning in hundreds of parks across China and, increasingly, other parts of the world.

In today's China, there are five major styles of Tai Chi, each named after the Chinese family that created it, including Chen, Yang, Wu and Sun styles.

Chen-style Tai Chi is one of the most popular. It originated in Wenxian County in Henan's Jiaozuo City. Its birthplace was traditionally, and controversially, credited to Chen Wangting (1600-1680), who developed the system of physical exercises based on the patrimonial boxing of the Chen family.

An official of Jiaozuo said Chen-style Tai Chi is an important legacy of Chinese civilization.

Jiaozuo has hosted seven international Tai Chi games held annually. The city government has also set up a research institute for the study of Tai Chi, which the official said would help illuminate more about the Chen-style.

The official said the application of Chen-style for the title of masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage was a good opportunity for people in other parts of the world to better understand Tai Chi.

The title of masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of humanity was introduced by UNESCO in 2001. That year saw the proclamation of 19 of the world's most remarkable examples of the oral and intangible heritage. Two years later, UNESCO proclaimed another 28 masterpieces around the world.

Among the 47 masterpieces, China has two, namely Kunqu opera and the art of Guqin music. Kunqu, China's oldest and one of the most influential theatrical traditions, was selected and proclaimed by UNESCO in 2001. The art of Guqin music, which has existed for 3,000 years and represents China's foremost solo musical instrument tradition, was selected in 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency June 4, 2005)