In a serene morning scene at a Beijing park this week, International Olympic Committee Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. spontaneously joined a 90-year-old local resident practicing Baduanjin, an eight-section breathing exercise rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. The impromptu cultural exchange, captured by passersby and shared widely online, symbolizes the growing global appreciation for China's ancient wellness practices amid modern sports diplomacy.
First documented during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE), Baduanjin has seen renewed popularity this year as urban residents embrace low-impact exercises. The IOC's engagement with such traditions comes as China continues to promote traditional sports like tai chi and martial arts through international platforms. Samaranch's participation follows the Chinese mainland's recent initiatives to integrate traditional health practices into public fitness campaigns, aligning with global wellness trends.
This encounter occurs as Beijing prepares to host the 2027 Winter Youth Olympics, with cultural exchange remaining central to the IOC's urban development strategy. Health authorities report that over 200 million Chinese residents now regularly practice traditional exercises, creating new opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue through sports.
