At the foot of Songshan Mountain's sacred slopes, where Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist traditions converge, two international students are writing a new chapter in cultural exchange through martial arts. India's Akul Malik and France's Alexandra Arieu have immersed themselves in rigorous Wushu training at Dengfeng City's 1,900-year-old Fawang Temple under Master Miaodu's guidance.
Their journey coincides with the ongoing 15th National Games, where elite athletes compete for glory in modern sports arenas. Yet in this ancient temple courtyard, the rhythmic thud of practice strikes echoes a different kind of athletic pursuit – one rooted in spiritual discipline and cultural preservation.
"Wushu connects me to China's philosophical core," Arieu told KhabarAsia during a training break. "Through each movement, we're learning patience, balance, and respect – values that transcend borders."
The temple's international enrollment reflects growing global interest in traditional Chinese practices, with registrations from overseas students increasing 40% this year compared to 2024. As China continues promoting cultural diplomacy through heritage sites, locations like Fawang Temple serve as living bridges between ancient traditions and modern cross-cultural dialogue.
