Indonesian Gora Nebulana, Chen's disciple, strikes a pose. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Learning platform

In 2005, Chen Zhonghua returned to Wulian county and conceived the idea of building a tai chi school in the Daqing Mountain area. The school was established a year later with the support of the local government, becoming an important base for tai chi training and competitions.

In 2013, Chen Zhonghua hosted the inaugural International Taijiquan Festival on Daqingshan. The event drew several thousand visitors and competitors, with its success leading to subsequent editions.

On May 9, the 8th Fucai Cup Daqingshan Taijiquan Invitational Competition commenced in Wulian. The sports event drew more than 1,000 participants, including athletes from 10 countries and regions such as Germany, France, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia, as well as domestic professionals.

Paul Pryce, a Lohan Qigong disciple of John Saw from Australia, says that he was captivated by Chen Zhonghua's tai chi skills when they met in 2013, leading him to practice under Chen's guidance and nurturing his love for Chinese traditional culture.

The Australian visitor says it was his third trip to Daqing Mountain, and each time he deepened his fondness for the place. Tai chi, which has significantly enhanced his health, is a treasure for the world, he says.

Zhang Shujuan, head of the Wulian publicity department, says that tai chi culture has flourished in the region, becoming a prominent symbol and calling card of the county.

"We will attract more domestic and international tourists to Wulian for leisure, fitness, sightseeing and investment, driving economic development through the increased passenger flow from the sports events," she says.

Nebulana, the martial arts coach and manager, led a team of five athletes including his daughter, 22-year-old Zeela Nebulani, to attend the recent competition.

"We know China is home to tai chi," he says. "We know it's going to be tough (to compete). We come here not to try to win, but to try to learn."